The GMPA is a collaboration between peak member associations for minerals professionals around the world, taking a leadership role in the pursuit and continuing development of best practice professionalism in the minerals industries.

Established in 2011, GMPA member organizations include the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), and the Chilean Institute of Mining Engineers (Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas de Chile; IIMCh).

The GMPA encourages the exchange of knowledge and technology, promotes technical and professional excellence across the minerals industries, provides programs for education and professional development, and provides an international forum for knowledge sharing, business networking, fellowship and public information.