The annual Alabama Energy Mining and Mineral Institute was hosted by The University of Alabama in Bryant Conference Center on Thursday and Friday. The Institute was a chance for geologists with varied education and experience to learn and teach about issues, lessons and themes arising in the industries.
Julia Gable, a geologist at the University and a member of the planning committee for the institute said that the Institute provides “a lot of context” for students and industry professionals.
Speakers at the conference presented on various topics, including the beneficial use of coal ash, combustible dust mitigation, the best practices and emerging technologies concerning drilling and blasting and recycling in the mining industry.
There was no shortage of side-conversation and hand-shaking during the 15 minute breaks after presentations, when attendees could grab one of the free drinks or snacks available.
While the event was open to students, few, if any, were in attendance. Gable said that the Institute would “facilitate” the process to “get more students involved.”
Participants made it very clear, though, that industry professionals — mainly those that are new to the field — are eager and willing to learn.
One such participant, Matthew Ellis, works with Peabody Energy as a geologist at the Shoal Creek Mine in Walker County. Ellis has been involved in mining full-time for about a year and a half.
Ellis said he values the continuous education of workforce members and believes that the Mining and Mineral Institute is a good place for such education.
“There’s a lot of people here who will know more than I will ever know about mining, and not only coal mining, but different types of mining, so aggregate mining, limestone, even some metal, non-metal mining. So it’s super useful on that front as kind of a younger person, and then to the older people as well,” Ellis said.
The topics presented gave attendees the benefit of learning things that are outside the scope of their everyday work.
Kevin Strumpler, a geologist from Columbus, Georgia, attended the conference, much like Ellis and many others, mainly for the purpose of continuing his education.
“I’m in the environmental related fields, so I don’t do a lot of this stuff,” Strumpler said. “It gives me a little more insight into what some of the other people do.”
