Can you introduce the Mining Engineering Department of the University of Utah?

Presently, we have about 45 undergraduate students and eight graduate students. We observed a decline in enrollment in mining engineering programs across the country, not just here in Utah, and we have been trying to understand the reasons for this decline. In 2021, we had four incoming freshmen. In 2022, we had five, and last year we saw an increase to 15 incoming freshmen students. In 2024, we welcomed 20 freshmen into the mining engineering program. This increase can be attributed to a team effort that included open houses, outreach to parents and high school students, and engagement with professionals from companies like Rio Tinto, Newmont, Wolverine Fuels, who spoke directly to the students. We showcased emerging technologies, such as a health & safety training program using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which piqued the interest of high school students.

How have shifting demands changed the role of the university in the industry?

The Western US is home to some of the largest and most productive mining operations, with states like Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming and Montana making significant contributions to the extraction of precious metals and essential minerals. With a labor shortage looming, particularly as many in the industry are set to retire, this decline in enrollment could have serious implications for the development of new mines and production output. An estimated 350 new mines will need to be developed over the next 20-30 years to meet the increasing global demand for critical minerals like copper, lithium, uranium, gold, silver, etc. The permitting process in the US will make it nearly impossible to meet that demand. Fortunately, advances in mining technology such as automation, remote sensing, and digitization can help increase productivity, reduce environmental impact and alleviate the effects of labor shortage.

Can you discuss the immersive virtual reality training program for miners?

I noticed that students in traditional training programs often retain a portion of the information provided. To address this, we developed a new training program using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies that immerse miners in real-time in underground and surface operations. This immersive experience is designed to enhance information retention through interactive participation. We are collaborating with a Chilean virtual reality company Minverso, and our students are involved in developing these training modules. In addition, mining companies within the US have started to show interest in our VR initiatives.

How does the university maintain its relationship with the domestic mining industry?

We have a strong connection to the mining industry through our industry advisory board (IAB), which includes members from companies like Rio Tinto, Newmont, Wolverine Fuels, and Caterpillar. We meet each semester to discuss our curriculum and research, ensuring that we are addressing relevant topics and challenges within the industry. Our students benefit from this relationship through internships and job placements, with nearly all undergraduate students receiving full-time job offers upon graduation. Additionally, our faculty are engaged with industry projects, providing practical insights that enhance the educational experience.

Can you highlight specific research topics that demonstrate the department's focus?

We are looking into solutions to protect miners working in extreme conditions. For example, a Ph.D. student from my research team developed a device that is slightly larger than a cell phone, which can assess work comfort based on factors like body mass index, gender, age, clothing, and environmental conditions. This device warns miners when they are at risk of heat stress, helping them take necessary breaks before experiencing heat-related illnesses. The same Ph.D. student built a set of powered safety glasses designed for emergency situations, allowing miners to see through smoke and providing navigational assistance during an emergency underground. These research initiatives showcase our commitment to advancing safety technologies in the mining industry, reflecting the innovative spirit of our students.

What are the university’s goals for the next 24 months?

Our focus is on advancing innovations in mine automation, efficient ventilation, mine design, and cooling systems to boost productivity and prioritize worker safety while instilling traditional mining engineering principles that minimize environmental impact.