"Empire CAT has shown exceptional generosity to the Foundation by donating this unique vehicle for the Foundation's benefit raffle," said SME executive director David L. Kanagy. "Their contribution will support the SME Foundation as it strategically invests in solutions to help solve the challenges facing the mining and minerals industries today."

All proceeds raised from the raffle go to support the critical SME Foundation programmes, including the PhD fellowship and academic career development grants, Miners Give Back, ABET, Professional Engineers Exam, the Minerals Education Coalition, and numerous scholarships. SMEF is the provider of services for the industry professional, the university student, and K-12 educators.

"For me it's an honour to be a part of this initiative to continue to support SMEF and the important activities it does for the Industry," said Josh Olmsted, Sr. vice president Freeport-McMoRan Copper Operations and SMEF Trustee upon securing the donation. "Empire Machinery has been a long-standing partner of the mining Industry and the communities in which they work. This is a great example of them being committed to giving back to the industry in a way that is meaningful, not only for today but more importantly for our future."

A limited number of tickets are now available for purchase online at www.accelevents.com/e/SMEFTRUCK.