The aim of this international peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) is to provide a broad-based forum for the exchange of real-world and theoretical knowledge from academia, government and industry that is pertinent to mining, mineral/metallurgical processing, exploration and other fields served by the Society. The journal publishes high-quality original research publications, in-depth special review articles, reviews of state-of-the-art and innovative technologies and industry methodologies, communications of work of topical and emerging interest, and other works that enhance understanding on both the fundamental and practical levels. Topics covered include blasting, coal, data science, emerging technologies, environmental stewardship, equipment, geology, geomechanics/geotechnologies, health and safety, hydrometallurgy, industrial minerals, industrial processes such as comminution and flotation, rock/fracture mechanics, mine design/planning, mineral economics/resources, mineral processing, project management/finance, optimization, plant design, reclamation, sensing/geophysics, separation/purification of minerals and metals, simulation/modeling, social issues/law/policy, tailings, underground construction and tunneling, ventilation, and water management.