Director and State Geologist, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

A non-regulatory state agency, within the Montana Technological University, The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) provides extensive advisory, technical, and informational services on the State's geologic, mineral, energy, and water resources. The MBMG is increasingly involved in studies of the environmental impacts to land and water caused either by past practices in hard-rock mining or by current activities in agriculture and industry. The MBMG is the principal source of earth science information for the citizens of Montana.

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Murray Hitzman, 2026 Campbell Medalist

Murray W. Hitzman of University College Dublin has been awarded the 2026 AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.

The Campbell Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding performance in and contribution to the geoscience profession. Ian Campbell was an uncommon man of remarkable accomplishment and widespread influence.

Murray is Director of the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, among other roles. He served as Associate Director for Energy and Minerals at USGS, Professor of Economic Geology at Colorado School of Mines, policy analyst in the OSTP and Senate, and exploration geologist worldwide. He holds B.A. degrees in geology and anthropology from Dartmouth College, an M.S. in geology from University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in geology from Stanford University. Congratulations, Murray!

Michael McGlue, Kentucky State Geologist, 50 under 50

Michael M. McGlue, Director, State Geologist, and Professor, Kentucky Geological Survey, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky, has been recognized in this year’s 50 under 50.

The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC-AGC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM) that honors outstanding mid-career geoscientists across North America who are making significant contributions through research, service, and mentorship.

Michael holds at PhD in geology from University of Arizona.

Simon Jowitt, Nevada State Geologist, 50 under 50

Simon M. Jowitt, Director and State Geologist, Professor of Economic Geology, at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), University of Nevada, Reno has been recognized in this year’s 50 under 50.

The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC-AGC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM) that honors outstanding mid-career geoscientists across North America who are making significant contributions through research, service, and mentorship.

Simon holds at PhD in geology from University of Leicester, UK.

Bill Haneberg, 1960 - 2026

Dr. William (Bill) Haneberg, passed away suddenly on September 7 due to blood clots. Bill was 66 years old and is survived by his wife Lisa. Bill served as Kentucky Geological Survey Director and State Geologist from 2016 to 2023, where he brought his expertise in geohazards to the survey. Bill oversaw several changes at KGS, including adoption of transdisciplinary research themes, such as radon research. Upon his retirement from UK, Bill worked as a consultant at his home in New Mexico, where he remained active in geohazards and policy research.  

- From Doug Curl

USGS and Nebraska Release First-Ever Statewide Map of Surface Geology

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have released the first statewide map depicting the geology at Nebraska's land surface, closing a long-standing gap in the nation's geologic map coverage.

https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/usgs-and-nebraska-release-first-ever-statewide-map-surface-geology

A National Cooperative Subsurface Assessment Program

The US energy future—from geothermal, nuclear, wind, solar, and hydropower to oil and natural gas—depends on the subsurface. Yet despite its strategic importance, the subsurface remains one of the nation’s most undercharacterized assets. As demand grows for secure domestic energy, critical minerals, storage capacity, and water resources, better understanding the subsurface will be essential to reducing uncertainty, unlocking domestic resources, guiding investment, minimizing environmental impacts, and supporting responsible development. To address these gaps, a study released today advances nine cross-sectoral recommendations, together with resource-specific actions. Together, they support an overarching recommendation that Congress establish a National Cooperative Subsurface Assessment Program that builds on existing federal and state authorities to strengthen U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship, and responsible management of the nation’s subsurface resources. https://www.npc.org/reports/2026-american-resources/

Investment in Mining Schools

On August 7, 2026, the US Department of Defense announced over $80 million in investments in multiple schools of mines and metallurgy, including the Colorado School of Mines, the South Dakota School of Mines, and Johns Hopkins University. In recent years the federal government has taken action to ensure a domestic supply of critical minerals for America's economy and national security, securing reliable supplies of critical materials and supply chains.

State Geologist of Illinois, Drew Andrews

On October 1st, 2026, William M. Andrews, Jr., Ph.D., PG, will be the 15th Illinois State Geologist and next Director of the Illinois State Geological Survey. After joining the Kentucky Geological Survey in 1996, he became head of the KGS Geologic Mapping section in 2008, and acting state geologist in 23/24. He moved to the Nevada survey in 2025, and also worked with GSA. Drew received his BS in geology in 1993, his MS in 1997, and his PhD in 2004, all from University of Kentucky. Drew’s education in stratigraphy, tectonics, coal petrology, and structural geology. Congratulations, Drew!

Pat Leahy 1947 - 2026

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy passed August 7, 2026. Pat attended Boston College and received his doctorate in geology (1979) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in regional groundwater studies. He joined USGS in 1974, where he eventually served as Associate Director for Geology and Acting Director of USGS, before becoming AGI Executive Director from 2007-2016. He was accomplished and respected, he contributed broadly, he was a friend of AASG, and he will be missed.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/falls-church-va/p-leahy-13010045

Critical Minerals Proposal Selected to Build Wyoming-Idaho-Nevada Coalition

A collaborative team — representing the University of Wyoming, the University of Nevada-Reno and the University of Idaho — was selected for funding under the Intermountain Critical Minerals Research Launchpad (ICMRL) to advance technologies across the critical minerals supply chain by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

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