Second Mining Academy held in Kentucky

By |  November 20, 2019
Those who attended the 2019 Mining Academy had the opportunity to visit a Rogers Group underground facility. Photo courtesy of Dyno Nobel

Those who attended the 2019 Mining Academy had the opportunity to visit a Rogers Group underground facility. Photo courtesy of Dyno Nobel

Mining Academy, an event that provides a three-day forum to learn and network with operators from the underground room-and-pillar limestone market, was again hosted in Louisville, Kentucky.

Dyno Nobel and Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology organized the event.

A variety of subject matter experts presented and led discussions and workshops on room-and-pillar underground mining, with emphasis on drilling, blasting and production. Presenters also covered topics such as safety, data analytics and community relations.

While the event focus was underground stone mining, representatives from salt, coal and metal mines were also present. This contributed to the diversity of discussions and information exchanged, according to the event organizers.

“This was my first exposure to the Mining Academy, and I can understand why it has garnered its good reputation in such a short time,” says Mike Rispin, Dyno Nobel’s vice president of underground. “The preparation and presentation were truly first-class, and it was my honor to co-emcee the event. Based upon feedback from participants, the Mining Academy is a strong value experience for the industry.”

Yet another component of the program was a keynote speaker: Colonel (Ret.) Mark Tillman, who delivered a patriotic and humorous recount of his experiences. Additionally, participants visited Rogers Group’s nearby Bullitt County Mine, an example of room-and-pillar mining where participants were treated to an underground experience complete with various technology demonstrations, as well as a surface demonstration of electronic initiation systems’ capabilities.

Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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