The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) was established in 1958 as a non-profit organisation. The mission of the Association is to further international co-operation in the mineralogical sciences and to promote wider community awareness among international groups having Earth Science interests. Activities of IMA are regulated by its statutes.

The 8 Commissions, 5 Working Groups and one committee of IMA are involved in a wide range of mineralogical practice of direct interest for governments, industry and academic science.

The IMA Council meets every year in conjunction with an international meeting. Between two council meetings affairs are regulated by the Executive Committee of IMA. Councillors and Officers of Commissions and Working groups are elected during the Business meeting of the General Meeting of IMA which holds every four years.

IMA regularly provides information through reports and News in Elements, to National Mineralogical Societies or Groups which are supporting IMA.

IMA is a member of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and maintains regular contacts with some affiliates.