The principal objective of the MES is to advance science and practice of minerals engineering and allied sciences. This is achieved by

• Providing a forum for the dissemination of technical information
• Making available articles and papers in its journal, Mine and Quarry
• Presenting awards and prizes for meritorious papers and to students at universities
• Fostering interchange with other learned institutions

The society holds a National Meeting each year to coincide with its Annual General Meeting. The National Meeting is residential and a series of technical papers are presented, visits to local works are organised, rounded off with a dinner where the presentation of prizes and awards is made. Conferences and exhibitions are organised to discuss specialised topics. A very active social programme is ongoing in the sections including golf tournaments, games evenings, dinners, dances and technical visits.

Membership of the Society enables engineers with common interests to meet and exchange ideas and through membership employment has been facilitated both in the UK and overseas for those seeking a change.