Aspiring professionals unearth opportunity at Mines for Limitless Minds
Future engineers discover the versatility of mining careers at the annual Mines for Limitless Minds outreach event.
Hundreds of students crowded the University of Arizona Mall on Oct. 23 to fly drones, test thermal cameras and explore research at the fourth annual Mines for Limitless Minds outreach event sponsored by mining company Freeport-McMoRan.
The School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources’ signature career-discovery event drew more than 1,000 U of A students and at least 200 high school and community college visitors.
The School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources partners with industry to bring careers to campus.
Forty-two companies lined the U of A Mall, making this the largest Mines for Limitless Minds yet — and one of the nation’s premier mining-focused career fairs.
“I liked learning about all the different companies and what they do,” said Rio Rico High School student Lynelle Figueroa. “It showed me that there are so many opportunities connected to mining, I’m even thinking about how it connects to agriculture.”
Exhibitors transformed abstract concepts into hands-on experiences. Students navigated drones through an obstacle course that mimicked real-world mapping technology and stepped into a thermal selfie booth to see heat signatures in action. Displays on mineral processing, geomechanics, and environmental sustainability rounded out the showcase.
“Events like this help you understand what companies actually do and the kinds of careers you can build after graduation,” said Isaac Chacon, a mining engineering junior focused on geomechanics and mine operations.
Industry, academia work side by side
Vicki Seppala, general manager for Freeport’s Safford Operations, said the company is proud to partner with the U of A on this event.
“It brings me great joy to support an event that inspires so many bright, motivated individuals,” the 1994 geological engineering alum said. “Many were excited to learn about internships offered by companies on-site.”
In addition to internship connections, Freeport advertised 10 scholarships to students pursuing a minor in sustainable mineral resources, a growing interdisciplinary program designed to teach responsible extraction of critical minerals.
“The mining workforce in the U.S. is at an inflection point — we must rebuild it to secure the critical minerals that underpin society,” said Kray Luxbacher, the Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair of Mining and Geological Engineering and executive director of SMEMR. “We certainly have those students here at U of A, and Mines for Limitless Minds highlights the dynamic career opportunities our industry offers.”
Space: The future of mining
Mines for Limitless Minds offered a glimpse into future areas for industry growth. Faculty with workforce experience serve as vital links between academic training and industry careers, bringing emerging fields into the classroom.
SMEMR professor of practice Victor Tenorio, who coaches the Arizona Wildcat Moon Miners student group in NASA-sponsored competitions, said students’ curiosity about space resources grows every year.
“As missions to the Moon and Mars become more feasible, these ideas feel less like science fiction and more like the future of mining.”