SEG originated from a 1919 gathering of a group of Geological Society of America (GSA) members who were especially interested in economic geology. The Society was established on December 28, 1920, during a constituting meeting of 60 distinguished professionals, including A.M. Bateman, W.H. Emmons, L.C. Graton, J.F. Kemp, A.C. Lawson, W. Lindgren, R.A.F. Penrose, Jr., R.H. Sales, J.E. Spurr and H.V. Winchell. Today the Society consists of more than 5000 members residing in over 90 countries throughout the world.