Georgia Mining Association Honors Two Employees of BASF’s Middle Georgia Kaolin Site

The Georgia Mining Association (GMA) recently awarded its Miner of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards to two employees of BASF’s Middle Georgia Kaolin site.

Jack Hodge, Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Team Leader received the Miner of the Year honors and Keith Brooks, Site Director of BASF’s Middle Georgia Kaolin operations, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Over the many years that Hodge and Brooks have been affiliated with GMA they’ve developed many strong relationships and are admired and respected by their peers,” said Lee Lemke, Executive Vice President of GMA.

Each year, GMA staff and board members nominate individuals who have provided exceptional contributions to the growth and prosperity of the mining industry. Hodge and Brooks were selected from more than 200 member companies for their respective awards.

Brooks currently serves as Board Director and president of the Georgia Mining Association. He is a third generation kaolin miner who has worked in numerous jobs within the industry.

Hodge is chairman of the GMA safety committee, and the industry has achieved one of its best years ever for safety.

“BASF is proud that two members of our team have been recognized by their peers for their accomplishments. Both are deserving of these honors,” said Chuck Schmidt, Senior Vice President, Paper Chemicals, for BASF in North America.

Founded in 1972, the Georgia Mining Association (GMA) is a Georgia trade association dedicated to helping mining companies and allied trade members succeed, understand, comply and function in a complex business and regulatory world. The primary purpose of the GMA is to protect and promote the mining industry in the state.