The Mining Club of the Southwest was spawned in late 1970 by a group of Tucson based engineers, metallurgists andgeologists; opened its doors officially on February 1, 1971; and was incorporated by the State of Arizona on February 22, 1971.

Subsequently, the Mining Club of the Southwest Foundation was established on June 18, 1982, to allow for tax deductible contributions to be used for charitable andeducational purposes leading to the inauguration on December 3, 1983, of the American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Presentation Banquet & Fundraiser. Each year significant contributors to the industry and profession are recognized and honored while providing a forum for better public under-standing of the industry. 

On May 3, 1993, the Mining Club of the Southwest was merged with the Mining Club of the Southwest Foundation to become the Mining Foundation of the Southwest.

On October 10, 2022, filings were submitted to the Arizona Corporation Commission to change the name to the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation.

Rebranding for the Future of Mining Education | School of Mining & Mineral Resources (arizona.edu)

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote public understanding and education related to mineral resources and the mining industry, both in the U.S and abroad. Toward this goal, MFSW funds educational projects each year in the southwest including Mexico from donations and fundraising activities.

Beginning in 2008, the Foundation embarked on a major fundraising activity for the purpose of developing a MFSW Educational Outreach Program. The Program focuses on educating students and adults about mining and the importance of mineral resources in modern life. In March of 2009, Pamela A.K. Wilkinson was selected to fill the position of Outreach Education Coordinator. The position was originally supported through the Arizona Department of Mining & Mineral Resources and later through the Arizona Geological Survey. Currently the position is supported through the Lowell Institute of Mineral Resources at the University of Arizona.

In addition, a scale model diorama of a modern open-pit copper mine, funded by the Foundation, has been relocated to The Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum in Miami, AZ and will soon be available for public viewing with a dedication ceremony expected in March 2023.

The MFSW has also published three volumes on the History of Mining in Arizona, which are for sale and cover the early history and development of Arizona's famous mining camps. 

Arizona Daily Star, 23 November 2014, Mine Tales: Group Teaches About Industry's History in Arizona

By Laws