22 NOVEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Students Explore Key Aspects of the Mining Industry Adapted from Information by Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) Sadie Elmore and Halle Cogley, students at Montana Tech, recently completed an immersive summer journey through Alaska, delving into vital aspects of the mining industry alongside fellow students from Northwestern University (NU). This adventure was part of the Global Engineering Trek to Indigenous North America, a program supported by the Global Initiatives at NU’s McCormick School of Engineering. Montana Tech has established a collaborative research partnership with NU focusing on critical minerals and has been involved in the Trek for the past two years. Open to undergraduates from all fields of study, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about critical mineral mining, energy storage innovations, in addition to the social and environmental impacts associated with mining. Participants also connect with indigenous communities and local stakeholders to gain insights into various perspectives and sustainable mining practices. Cogley, an environmental engineering student and a graduate researcher specializing in phytomining, participated in last year’s Trek to Chile, which focused on global mineral supply chains. Her previous experience made her an ideal candidate for a leadership position during the Alaskan segment of the program. The Alaskan journey included visits to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, featuring a blend of educational and cultural activities. In Anchorage, students toured the headquarters of NANA, an Alaskan Native Corporation that collaborates with Teck Alaska Inc. to manage the Red Dog Mine - one of the largest zinc mines globally. They also visited the University of Alaska Anchorage, where they explored a biomining laboratory investigating how bacteria from glaciers and hot springs can enhance mineral extraction. In Fairbanks, the group toured the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, participated in the Midnight Sun Festival, and hiked in Denali National Park. Their journey concluded at Hecla Mining Company’s Green Creek Mine on Admiralty Island near Juneau, an underground silver mine situated within a national monument. This experience profoundly influenced Elmore’s thoughts on her future career. “This experience impacted me and sparked my interest in the mining industry, an industry that I haven't learned much about and that honestly, I haven't had a lot of interest in. I think that the Greens Creek Mine tour inspired me to learn more about the mining industry and consider a future career in the mining industry,” said Elmore, a junior in environmental engineering. Prior to their Alaskan adventure, the group, which included seven NU students, toured Montana Resources in Butte and the Sibanye-Stillwater Metallurgical Complex in Columbus. Both Cogley and Elmore expressed the experience was truly transformative. “I love the opportunity to invest in the next generation of professionals from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines,” said Kevin Mitchum who works in the Environmental Department for Sibanye-Stillwater. “When we, as industrial leaders, take the time to showcase the right way to develop, mine, process, and recycle critical metals responsibly, we don’t just shape the future of our industry; we build a foundation of trust, sustainability, and innovation. This is a great opportunity for students to gain firsthand insight into what it takes to transform raw material into essential resources. After all, it’s only rock until the critical metals are upgraded through a series of metallurgical processes, including crushing, flotation, smelting, and refining. It’s always exciting to see how engaged the students are during these tours and the insightful questions they ask.” MIN Kov[i H[mm_rs Consistent Performance Innovative Piston Design Optimized for Long Stroke Engineered for Drillers’ Needs Fastest Drilling on Hard Rocks Enhanced Durability, Long Life Easy to Assemble and Service Try one - You’ll see the difference! 408-431-6000 kovaidrills.com See us at Booth 1030 Groundwater Week 2025 in New Orleans
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