Mining in Society Merit Badge Launches in Salt Lake City

February 28, 2014

The BSA’s newest merit badge, Mining in Society, launched this week at the annual meeting of The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc., which was instrumental in the development of the merit badge.

The latest in a series of merit badges on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics, Mining in Society focuses on mining’s key components of exploration, permitting, excavation, processing, production, safety, and reclamation. From communications, transportation, power, construction, agriculture, and medicine to education, entertainment, and recreation, nearly every aspect of society relies on mining.

“Whether it’s the source of the metal in a Dutch oven or the key components in a smartphone, mining affects Scouts both in their Scouting activities and in their everyday lives, making this Mining in Society merit badge a great way for Scouts to gain a better understanding of some of the key building blocks of commonly used items,” said Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock. “There are some important STEM lessons to be learned through earning this badge, and that focus may lead some Scouts to develop an even greater interest in the vastly important fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Look for the pamphlet in your local Scout Shop and at scoutstuff.org soon.

For more information on the Mining in Society merit badge, visit www.scouting.org/meritbadges.

Resources for individuals who are interested in serving as a merit badge counselor are available here: www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors/Resources.