Mary Korpi has a degree in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mary began working for Newmont Mining Corporation in 1976 at Magma Copper Company in San Manuel, Arizona. She held various positions in the metallurgical services department including shift supervisor, quality control analyst, metallurgist, and senior metallurgist of customer relations. She transferred to Newmont’s Nevada operations in 1987 and served in a variety of capacities for Newmont, including Director of Metallurgical Services, Director of Loss Control, Leach and Mill Superintendent, and over the final years of her career, as Director of External Relations and Communications for North America. In this role, she oversaw Newmont Mining Corporation’s North American regional activities in issues management, local government, media management, community relations and development, external communications, and minerals education. Mary retired from Newmont Mining Corporation in January 2016 after almost four decades in the mining industry.

Mary continued her involvement and support of the industry through volunteer efforts on boards and commissions. She served as the SME Foundation’s 2019-2021 President. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval appointed her to the State of Nevada’s Commission on Mineral Resources where she serves as vice-chair and represents the public at large. Mary was also recently appointed to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Governors for a 2021-2024 term. Mary was recognized in 2016 as the Distinguished Nevadan for her profound and lasting impact on the lives of all Nevadans. She has been inducted into Michigan Technological University’s Presidential Council of Alumnae and the Nevada Women’s Fund Women of Achievement. Mary has served in leadership roles on numerous non-profit and community-based organizations such as the Northeastern Nevada Economic Development Authority, Elko Area Chamber of Commerce, and Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital. Besides SME, she is also a member of several professional organizations including the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America, Women’s Mining Coalition, Geological Society of Nevada, and the American Association of University Women.