The International Society for Mine Surveying (ISM) was initiated by scientists from the Czech National Council for Mine Surveying. From August 26th to 30th, 1969, 46 mine surveyors from 19 countries met for the first time in Prague. On August 29, 1969, a working group of representatives from 14 countries drafted the charter, which was the first international conference of the ISM.

In June 1972, the Second International Congress was held in Hungary. During the period from 1972 to 1976, the working group held 10 meetings. At the third international conference held in Leoben, Austria on June 30, 1976, the representatives of 17 countries formally signed and approved the ISM Charter in English, German and Russian, including 11 countries in Europe, 3 in America, 1 in Asia (Iran), 1 in Africa (Zambia), and 1 in Oceania (Australia). Later, the second constitution was revised and supplemented. By 1987, the number of member countries had expanded to 27 countries, and by 2021, the number of member countries had grown to 43.

The ISM is an association of specialists in mine surveying or in the fields belonging thereto. The ISM is a non-governmental organization of category «C» (Mutual Information Relationship) according to the letter of the Director General of UNESCO of June 22nd, 1977. On September 7, 2001, UNESCO recognized ISM as part of a non-governmental organization.

The purpose of ISM it to build an international platform, cultivate outstanding talents, promote academic prosperity, and serve social development.