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.

Violetta Wolf, the newly appointed director of Tucson's gem and mineral museum, brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at the Oakland Museum of California, focusing on collections, personnel management, and major projects. She aims to further research, education, and community engagement at the University of Arizona's Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum.

Dr. Eric Lutz, appointed as the new Associate Director of the School of Mining & Mineral Resources, brings over 30 years of experience in mining safety research and leadership training, making him an invaluable addition to the team. As the Director of the Center of Excellence for Mine Safety and the school's first Professor of Practice, Dr. Lutz will play a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges of the mining industry.

Nathalie Risso, Ph.D., serves as the Director of the UArizona Mine Automation and Autonomous Systems Lab, fulfilling her lifelong aspiration to utilize science and technology to advance society, inspired by her family's hardworking legacy and her passion for space exploration and engineering innovation.