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In 2022 the Mining Foundation of the Southwest began to rebrand itself into the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation. The Mining and Minerals Education Foundation seeks to expand its impact and work globally.

Maria Franco Montoya, a graduate research assistant originally from Colombia, was drawn to the University of Arizona's mining program during an exchange year at New Mexico Tech. Now enrolled in the Graduate program in Mining and Geological Engineering, she conducts research on the variability of direct shear tests at the Geotechnical Center of Excellence. Alongside her academic pursuits, Franco is active in student organizations and enjoys hiking, singing, and exploring new restaurants. With aspirations to become a leader in the mining industry, Franco emphasizes the importance of asking questions and encourages students, especially women, to pursue their passions in engineering.

The past year at the School of Mining & Mineral Resources was chock-full of events, personnel news, seminars, and awards. See for yourself!

Denise C. Johnson, the first woman inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame, exemplifies success in the mining industry. With a background in mechanical engineering and an MBA from MIT, she rose to become Group President of Resource Industries at Caterpillar Inc., emphasizing the importance of perseverance and building a strong foundation in one's field. Johnson's advice to students highlights the value of continuous learning and resilience in achieving one's goals.

The Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining hosts first conference with government official, state regulators, industry representatives

Christopher Hopkins, president of River Landing Solutions, emphasizes transparency, trust, and truth as essential for successful mining development projects, cautioning against dodging difficult discussions with opponents. At the annual Mining Law Summit, Hopkins stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders, conducting extensive research, and staying focused on scientific evidence and benefits to gain support for mining proposals.

The Mining Safety Center of Excellence (SCE) is dynamically addressing the most pressing safety and health challenges in the mining industry utilizing technology and innovative solutions.

The University of Arizona’s Geotechnical Center of Excellence (GCE) recently hosted the International Slope Stability Symposium, drawing over 600 experts from 24 countries to Tucson. This biennial event, focusing on slope design, maintenance, and monitoring for open pit mines, marked a return to in-person gatherings after COVID-19 disruptions. GCE's reputation for solving mining geotechnical challenges and access to local mines made Tucson a preferred location. The symposium facilitated valuable connections and showcased innovations to enhance mining safety and environmental practices. Student engagement initiatives and networking opportunities were also highlights, reinforcing the importance of cultivating the next generation of mining professionals.

The new video series “Mining is Us”, created by the School of Mining and Mineral Resources Outreach team, seeks to highlight many of the individuals involved in the industry to inspire youth to go into the industry

Carmala Garzione, College of Science Dean at the University of Arizona, explains why it is time to transform mineral resource education for a fast-changing world, and how the new School of Mining and Mineral Resources is taking it to a whole new level.

Lily Guthrie, a senior at the University of Arizona, originally attracted to MRI studies, diversified her studies to include Psychology, Finance, Business administration, and Personal and Family Financial Planning. Active in the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration Arizona student chapter, Guthrie emphasizes the plentiful hands-on opportunities and networking in the mining industry. Introduced to Intercollegiate Mining Games, she found a welcoming community despite her non-mining major. Emphasizing the importance of business perspectives in mining, Guthrie aims to pursue financial planning while remaining open to opportunities in the industry. Her advice to students: make connections, pursue happiness, and explore diverse paths.

A new seminar series on "Mineral Resources and Their Implications for Our Society" will discuss challenges and potential solutions around mining and the transition to a decarbonized econonomy.