Isa Baron, an Environmental Studies and Operations & Supply Chain Management student at the University of Arizona, finds the Sustainable Mineral Resources minor to be the perfect blend of her interests in sustainability and business. With aspirations to become a Sustainability Consultant, Baron has gained valuable experience through internships and emphasizes the importance of mining for renewable energy while encouraging others to explore the field.

Nicole Collins transitioned from Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law to Environmental Studies at the University of Arizona due to her growing interest in climate change. Switching her minor to Sustainable Mineral Resources, Collins recognizes the importance of ethical extraction of natural resources for the future and aspires to contribute to environmental conservation through the Peace Corps, leveraging her newfound knowledge in sustainable resource management.

The University of Arizona’s mine automation lab is taking mining into the future. Dr. Nathalie Risso is leading a developing research project utilizing artificial intelligence to help mines with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) compliance.

In the fast lane toward global clean energy, Crosscutting Research in critical materials is at the intersection of innovation and collaboration. At the University of Arizona, Hongyue Jin is at the helm of the cutting-edge discipline.

University of Arizona alumnus Mark Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels Inc., came back to his alma mater to give the esteemed annual Lacy Lecture of 2022. Chalmers’ forward-looking lecture focused on Rare Earth Elements (REEs) which are essential for the future of mining and the clean-energy transition.

One of the biggest questions of the mining industry is, how can we make it more sustainable? One Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, David Hogan, is tackling that very question with his research on water remediation.

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.