Society of Independent Professional
Earth Scientists

 Click here for the 2026 S.I.P.E.S. Dues Form - please use this form to update your contact information as well

Click here to pay your dues online

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Next Event:

June 25, 2026

Our Presenter:

Philip Verplanck

"Carbonatite-hosted rare earth element and niobium deposits: an overview and an example using the Elk Creek Nb REE carbonatite, Nebraska USA"

All attendees MUST RSVP!

Please RSVP by 11:30 a.m. on the Monday prior

Click here to RSVP

When: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Where: Wynkoop Brewery - 1634 18th Street, Denver, CO 80202

Cost Structure:

• Members $25 (Presentation & Meal)
• Non-members $30 (Presentation & Meal)
• Walk-ins will no longer be allowed due to an issue with the Wynkoop.  Please pre-purchase a lunch to attend.  Sorry for the inconvenience!

Please feel free to share this information with any friends and colleagues who might be interested!

Mask requirements voluntary for vaccinated attendees.

Abstract:

This talk will be a contain a brief overview of rare earth elements (REEs) and then focus on REE and niobium enrichment in carbonatites. With the increasing reliance on high technology and green energy products, demand for REEs (and other critical elements) has become an important driver in economic geology. Carbonatites, igneous rocks composed of greater than 50 vol% primary carbonate minerals, are the primary source of the world’s light REEs and niobium and are potential sources of other critical elements. This talk will discuss REE and niobium mineralization using the Elk Creek carbonatite, Nebraska, USA as an example.

Bio:

Philip Verplanck is a research geologist with the US Geological Survey’s Geology, Geochemistry, and Geophysics Science Center in Denver. He received his B.S degree in geology from Tufts University, M.S. degree in geology from Oregon State University, and Ph.D. in geology from the University of Colorado. He has studied rare earth elements since 1983, and his REE research includes lunar evolution, igneous petrology, aqueous geochemistry, and ore genesis. Currently, his work focuses on the formation of rare earth element ore deposits and the geochemistry of critical element enrichment in mineralized systems.

WHAT IS SIPES?

The Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES) is the only national organization designed exclusively for the independent or consulting professional earth scientist. Members include geologists, engineers, geophysicists, geochemists, and other earth scientists.

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Our Mission

To be the pre-eminent organization for furthering the professional business interests of independent practitioners of earth sciences. 

• Professional Competence

• Professional Business Ethics

• Presenting a favorable, credible and effective image of Society

Local Events:

Monthly Meetings

Meetings for 2026 will be held at the

Wynkoop Brewery

1634 18th Street

Denver, CO 80202