U.S. Economic Development selected MS&T as one of the nation’s more than 30 new ‘tech hubs’ for its critical minerals research work. Missouri University of Science and Technology’s expertise in critical minerals and materials research has led to its selection as one of 31 Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs) funded through the CHIPS and Science Act. The 31…
Read MoreAuthor: Donna Schmidt
Tying up loose ends
Well, it’s finally here. Like it or not, we are in the last few weeks of 2023, a time to wrap up projects, assess the status of others, and for some, to look introspectively at what’s to come. There are a number of newsworthy turns in the industry that involved parties did a great job of keeping details under wraps…
Read MoreColorado Mines, USGS to share research goals
By Donna Schmidt Could projects like the one just announced between the Colorado School of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey help drive research into a broader, deeper space for mining’s future by bringing together its brightest research experts – academia and minerals science? The Colorado School of Mines, located in Golden, Colo., said construction of a new $240 million…
Read MoreA returning beauty
Former Rio Tinto mining site in Utah opens to the public as a stunning multi-use regional park. NAM finds out more about this reclamation triumph. By Donna Schmidt The E and S in ESG (environmental, social and governance) is not limited just to mining efforts while in production. That commitment extends long after the last shovel swipe and unloading of…
Read MoreA straight route to success at Detour Lake
Northeastern Ontario, Canada open-pit Agnico Eagle gold operation Detour Lake had several lofty goals: achieving and surpassing environmental, social and governance (ESG) outlines while setting itself up for long-term efficiency through monitoring its most crucial metrics. Artificial intelligence technology from Symboticware was its answer. By Donna Schmidt Mining operations in the age of digitization have the ability to bring in…
Read MoreAll in this together
Support. A simple concept, but in truth it can be complex. One can support themselves, but it is much easier when there are others around to share support for one another. When that support is for the same main goal…well, that is a win-win. The next time you attend an industry conference, look around. The speaker may be from operations,…
Read MorePronto, Whittle release autonomous haulage report
Pair finds that, at least when it comes to mining trucks, bigger isn’t always better. By Donna Schmidt While haul trucks have generally gotten bigger over time, reflecting better economics in many applications, the opposite is true when trucks are automated – this according to a new report from Pronto and Whittle Consulting. Pronto and Whittle recently released their joint…
Read MoreCountdown in motion for SME/PCMIA in Steel City
Annual two-day event has a packed schedule of presentations on safety, engineering projects, critical minerals and more. By Donna Schmidt The Pittsburgh chapter of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and the Pittsburgh Coal Mining Institute of America (PCMIA) are putting the final components in place for their annual joint meeting and conference, set for October 26-27 in…
Read MoreSkills gap getting wider?
The skills gap has been a long-standing issue in mining. Generational employment has lessened over decades and has left the industry in a competition like never before to gain and retain safe and productive hires. Beyond mining’s front lines, the outlook doesn’t improve. Many industry experts in niche areas – think ventilation, ground control, modeling and planning, processing, and more…
Read MoreVirginia Tech researchers use autonomous technologies
to make mines safer
How do you use drones and robots to make underground mining less risky for workers? Virginia Tech researcher Richard Bishop and his West Virginia University collaborators are working to answer this question. A recent two-year, $569,149 Alpha Foundation grant will allow the team to study ways to use autonomous drones to predict and prevent roof collapses underground. It’s urgent work.…
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