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MineLife Media Founder Receives Medal of Merit for Young Professionals from MMEF

We're beyond excited to announce that MineLife Media founder Jessica (Jess) Scanlan has been named a recipient of the Medal of Merit for Young Professionals by the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation (MMEF). This recognition will be presented at the 43rd Annual American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Banquet and Fundraiser on December 6, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona.

Woman smiling, holding rock with blue smiley face. Text: MineLife Media founder gets Medal of Merit for Young Professionals from MMEF.

The Medal of Merit for Young Professionals recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the mining industry early in their careers. Scanlan was selected for her work as a digital strategist and content creator who partners with mining companies to enhance their digital presence and public engagement.

"Being recognized by MMEF is truly humbling, especially in the same year that Clara Clark and Isabel Little are being honored," said Scanlan. "As a Montana Tech graduate myself, I grew up hearing their groundbreaking story as Montana Tech's first female Mining Engineering graduates in 1904. They faced incredible obstacles just to enter mines and practice their profession. Every day, I'm inspired by pioneers like them who opened doors in this industry."
Portraits of two women, Miss Clara Clark and Miss Isabel Little, in an old newspaper. Headlines: Girl Graduates School of Mines.

Since founding MineLife Media, Scanlan has been an advocate for changing the mining industry both from within and through public outreach. Her work combines her technical background as a former underground mine geologist with modern communication strategies to bridge the gap between the mining industry and the public, while advocating for positive industry change.


"The mining industry is at a critical point where we need to not only talk about our importance but also demonstrate how we're evolving," Scanlan explains. "Through MineLife Media, we're helping companies share authentic stories that resonate with communities, showcase the real people behind mining operations, and build trust through transparency."


Scanlan's recognition follows her inclusion in Women in Mining UK's 2024 "100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining" list. Through her popular "Rock Record" series and geotourism initiatives, she continues to create educational content that makes mining and geoscience more accessible to the public.

Smiling person in cap, pointing at rocks with text "Welcome to The Rock Record! Let’s talk rocks!" Coastal cliffs in background.

"I'm incredibly grateful to MMEF for this honor, and to my family, friends, and the amazing clients and supporters who make this work possible," Scanlan added. "Every engagement, share, or conversation about mining helps us move the industry forward. This award isn't just for me—it's for everyone who's been part of the MineLife Media journey and believes in the power of authentic storytelling to transform perceptions."


The 43rd Annual American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Banquet will honor individuals and companies who have made notable contributions to the advancement of the mining industry. In addition to Scanlan, this year's distinguished honorees include Kathleen L. Quirk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeport-McMoRan Inc as the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee, along with Medal of Merit recipients Steve Holmes and Dawn Meidinger.


To follow Jessica Scanlan's work and MineLife Media's ongoing initiatives:

About MineLife Media LLC: MineLife Media is a digital strategy and content creation company specializing in helping mining and industrial companies improve their social media presence, enhance community engagement, and tell authentic stories. Founded by geological engineer Jessica Scanlan, the company combines technical industry knowledge with modern communication strategies to bridge the gap between the mining industry and the public.


About Mining and Minerals Education Foundation (MMEF): MMEF, formerly known as the Mining Foundation of the Southwest (MFSW), is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and public understanding of the mining industry and its related disciplines. For more information about MMEF and the American Mining Hall of Fame Awards, visit https://miningeducationfoundation.org/.

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