The IMA-Europe Recognition Award has been created  in 2006 to acknowledge external bodies for their contribution to the minerals industry's image or  innovation. 

The 2010 IMA Award has been attributed to the Regione Lombardia. This public authority actively promotes a sustainable mining culture. Its successful cooperation with the Ministry is a perfect illustration of what the European Raw Materials Initiative aims to achieve.
A Special Award has been attributed to IUCN's Countdown 2010 Initiative. Under the project leadership of Sebastian Winkler, IMA Europe signed up to become a partner in biodiversity conservation. 

2006 IMA Award Winners - The first IMA Recognition Award went to WWF Austria and Forum Rohstoffe for their joint efforts to raise awareness about industrial minerals and the biodiversity on and around rehabilitated quarries. Since 1999, they carried out several successful educational projects amongst which a TV film of 50 min. ("Trails in the Sand") about the biodiversity to be found in a restored quarry. The Award Ceremony took place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 7 September 2006. (press release).

2008 IMA Award Winners - The second IMA Recognition Award was presented to the Rheinland Regional Council (LVR) for their documentary films on minerals and the promotion thereof to a wide audience. The films give an excellent overview of minerals use throughout history till today, while showing the importance of mining activities to the region and its inhabitants.
 
See also Overview IMA Award Winners.