The MES provides a forum for people who are engaged in increasing the value of solid minerals. Its principal aim is to advance the knowledge, understanding and practice of minerals engineering, the science dealing with processes for the separation and concentration of the valuable minerals and with the disposal of waste materials from such a process.

Formed in 1958, as the Coal Preparation Society, membership included representatives of coal producers, universities, technical colleges and commercial companies engaged in the design and manufacture of process equipment. The society has developed to make it attractive to people working in all fields of minerals engineering. It is registered as a charity.

The Society is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No. 1266014) and a registered charity No. 273066