IMA Working Groups

Working groups address new and emerging topics in mineralogy that are not the subject of an IMA Commission. Working groups are the first step in creating a Commission of the IMA, although it is not necessary for a working group to evolve into a Commission.

Working groups may be proposed by Council or by groups of individuals. Their formation and operation are governed by article 13 of the constitution and bylaws. To create a working group, a chair, vice-chair, and secretary must be proposed to Council and approved by a Business Meeting. These officers may then invite others to join the Working Group. They should aim to build a nucleus of enthusiastic experts in the field of the Working Group, while endeavouring to maintain as wide an international membership as possible. The lifetime of a Working Group is initially 4 years and may be extended by the Business Meeting. 

At the Business Meeting at IMA 2022 in Lyon three new IMA working groups were created, reflecting the emergence of new fields in mineralogy.

Active working groups:

• Nanomineralogy
• Biomineralogy and environment
• Mineral informatics

Former working group:

• Asbestos