The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, IOM³, which has its foundations in the late 19th Century, is a learned and professional body for professional scientists, technologists and engineers working in the materials, minerals, mining and related industries. It exists to promote and develop all facets of the science, technology and practical aspects of all parts of these industries. IOM3, one of the UK's 'top 10' Institutes with over 25,000 members, was formed in June 2002 on the merger between the Institute of Materials and the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy.
Membership of the Institute, IOM³, is open to all those active in materials, minerals, mining and related fields whatever their discipline - science, technology, engineering and related disciplines including sales & marketing and management. A membership grade is assigned according to an individual's academic qualifications and professional experience.
Professional competence is recognised by the award of the Institute's designatory letters, and admission to professional grades takes place by a peer review process.
All members are encouraged to participate in the Institute's schemes for education, training and professional development.
A professional member with an established and enhanced reputation in Materials Technology, over 35 years of age.
The Institute's main professional grade, denoting a member with an accredited honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science, technology or engineering field, together with at least four years' approved training and responsible experience. Minimum age 25. Professional Members have demonstrated their ability to exercise independent technical judgment in both practical experience and the application of scientific or engineering principles. They have shown innovation in technical matters through their professional activities. Normally Professional Members will have direct responsibility for the management or guidance of technical staff and other resources. Registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) depends on academic qualifications and field of activity.
A member with a degree or equivalent qualification, which may be outside the field of materials, minerals or mining technology, and at least 8 years' experience with responsibility in a relevant field. For example: managers or administrators in the materials, minerals or mining industry or closely associated activities in government; academia or research engineers from other disciplines who are not primarily practising as materials, minerals or mining engineers. Minimum age 30.
A member with a BTEC, HNC or HND or equivalent academic qualification, and 5 years' approved training and practical experience. An Associate Member has demonstrated a practical approach and detailed understanding of materials technology. By virtue of their training, education and experience they are competent to exercise technical judgment in, and assume personal responsibility for, the maintenance and management of existing technology at peak efficiency. Minimum age 23. The designation of Incorporated Engineer with this grade requires registration with the Engineering Council.
A graduate with qualifications accredited by The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, who will normally transfer to the MIMMM grade after relevant experience.
This grade denotes and member with a qualification such as BTEC, National Certificate or Diploma in an acceptable subject, or an agreed group of SCOTVEC modules plus four years' training and experience in materials. Those working in an engineering environment (as opposed to a scientific environment) may be registered with the Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician in which case they use the letters Eng Tech.
A student member is following a course of study approved by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Minimum age 18.
This grade denotes a member engaged in, or interested in, materials science or technology who does not qualify for any of the above grades.
Fellows and Professional Members of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining can qualify for registration as Chartered Engineers with the Engineering Council, Associate Members (Incorporated division) can qualify as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Technicians as Engineering Technicians (EngTech). Eligibility for registration is assessed by The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining on behalf of the Engineering Council and is available only to persons who have produced evidence of relevant qualifications, training and engineering experience. Chartered and Incorporated Engineers are expected to apply their respective codes of professional conduct, to undertake work within their expertise and to exercise a responsible attitude to society with a regard to the ethical, economic and environmental impact of technical change and need.