Dr. Harrison Ashley Schmitt was a mining geologist dedicated to the science of ore position and its use in the pursuit of hidden ore. He was a pioneer and one of a generation who developed the art and science of mining geology into a leading factor in the growth of mineral exploitation. His detailed field studies on the vein, manto, and pipe types of ore deposits in Mexico, New Mexico and the Southwest gave him extensive and unique knowledge of the structure and mineralogy associated with those ore deposits.​

Dr. Schmitt’s work in mineral exploration led to an impressive string of successful mining developments including the Christmas, Esperanza, and Peach Mines of Arizona, and Battle Mountain in Nevada. His consulting services were in great demand by many large corporations in the industry, including Kennecott, Kerr-McGee, and ASARCO. His papers on the use of systemic geological techniques in ore search are considered to be foremost in the field.​

To his many contributions should be added his on-the-job training of many young mining geologists. His legacy to these men is the outstanding example he set of professional knowledge and ethics.​

In 1962, Dr. Harrison A. Schmitt was named “The Man of American Mining” by the Mining World.​

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