Georges Ordoñez

(1907–1982)

2004 Inductee from Mining's Past

Georges Ordoñez was a member of the generation of visionary, strong-willed and hard working professionals in the mid-20th century who were directly responsible for the abundant development of the world’s mineral resources. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 20, 1907, he graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1929 with an Engineer of Mines (EM) degree. Early in his career (1929-1939), he was involved with petroleum exploration and production in the United States. He then worked for the Lagos Petroleum Company in Venezuela, and later worked in Mexico as Superintendent of the El Ebano oil field for Pemex. After marrying Angelina Cortés Cortés in 1938, he returned to the U.S. to work for Standard Oil Corporation. The following year, he relocated to Mexico City, established a consulting practice, and then joined Kennecott Copper Corporation in 1940. For the next for 21 years, he was instrumental in the development of several copper districts in the southwestern U.S., and also in the discovery of the copper porphyry belt in Puerto Rico.

 After leaving his position as Chief Geologist with Kennecott in 1961, Mr. Ordoñez returned to Mexico City, where he remained very active as a mineral exploration consultant in Latin America and the Caribbean. He served on the faculties at the universities in Mexico City and in Guanajuato. He was an active member of the boards of directors for numerous mining companies and a director of the Mexican Chamber of Mines. Throughout his career, he enjoyed working with young people, both in the classroom and in the field, serving as a mentor to many fine young geologists and mining engineers. His many honors include the “Medal of Distinguished Achievement” from the Colorado School of Mines in 1964, and the “Minero Distinguido” (Distinguished Miner) from the Mexican Chamber of Mines in 1984. He was an active member of the Mexican Mining Association, the Geological Society of Mexico, the Geochemical Society, the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG), the Geological Society of America (GSA), and A.I.M.E. Georges Ordoñez died prematurely in 1982 while still an active, energetic professional and a happy family man. He is survived by his three sons - Jorge Ezequiel, Pablo Andrés, and Luis Felipe, and numerous grandchildren.

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