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Environmental science major Teresa Billick was one of five hard-working students to receive a $2,000 scholarship to pursue a minor in sustainable mineral resources from the University of Arizona School of Mining and Mineral Resources. Provided by the school's industry partner Freeport-McMoRan, the scholarships are available to degree-seeking undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enabling students to work with faculty from across colleges to learn about the skills needed in the mining industry.

Mining has been a fundamental part of human civilization since the dawn of time, providing the raw materials necessary for advancements in technology, infrastructure, and industry. As society progresses, the importance of mining only grows, underpinning the development of everything from the smallest electronic gadgets to the tallest skyscrapers. Here are several key reasons why mining is so crucial in today's world, along with some fascinating facts about the industry.

Rahul Jadhav, a computer science major at the University of Arizona, was awarded a $2K scholarship from Freeport-McMoRan to pursue a minor in sustainable mineral resources, propelling his passion for integrating cutting-edge technology into sustainable mining practices and aiming for a career as a software engineer in the mining industry.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Arizona Science Center, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Foundation’s Minerals Education Coalition (MEC), and the University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources, 17 K-12 science teachers from Arizona participated in a daylong professional development workshop at the MINEXCHANGE SME Conference & Expo, gaining valuable insights into the mining industry and its relevance to green energy.

The University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources (SMMR) and the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences (HAS) collaborated on an educational video titled "Water in the Lifecycle of a Mine," which explores the intersection of water and mining, dispels misconceptions, and emphasizes the responsible use of water in Arizona's mining practices, aiming to educate and inspire future mining engineers.

Mining and Geological Engineering professor Nathalie Risso, PhD, and graduate student Matias Saavedra visited Chile's Antofagasta Mineral’s Los Pelambres and Centinela mines to learn about the company's advancements in autonomy and management procedures, comparing cultural differences in mining views between Chile and the US, and highlighting the collaborative opportunities between the University of Arizona and mining companies.

The University of Arizona's School of Mining & Mineral Resources co-hosted the AZ Critical Minerals Symposium with South32, aiming to foster dialogue on the pivotal role of critical minerals, particularly zinc and manganese, in Arizona, emphasizing the significance of training a skilled workforce to operate advanced equipment and facilities, as well as the importance of domestic supply chains in bolstering national security and economic stability in the clean energy economy.

The University of Arizona offers a Sustainable Mineral Resources minor with seven tracks, open to students from any major, aiming to broaden understanding and collaboration in mineral resource-related fields, with an extended enrollment deadline until March 31, 2024.

James McNabb, a Senior Engineer at the Geotechnical Center of Excellence, transitioned from studying geoscience to working in the mining industry, drawn by the intersection of academia and industry at the GCE, where he now focuses on addressing critical gaps in knowledge regarding structural geology essential for geotechnical engineering in mines.

Benjamin Meyer, a Research and Development Software Engineer at the Geotechnical Center of Excellence and a Computer Science undergraduate at the University of Arizona, uses computer vision to detect rockfall in mines, aiming to enhance safety. Through collaboration with geotechnical engineers, Meyer combines his computer science expertise with mining knowledge to tackle complex challenges.