The Department of Mining Engineering of the University of Utah houses the new created Center for Mining Safety and Health Excellence reports newswise. Funding for the also planned Western Mining Presidential Endowed Chair in Mine Safety is provided by Consol Energy Inc., Barrick Golsdstrike Mines Inc. and other companies.
“As a global source of mining engineers since 1896, we knew bringing additional expertise into our department would help improve the safety education of our undergraduate and graduate mining engineering students, who often progress to position of authority in major mining companies,” says Mike Nelson, chair of the Department of Mining Engineering as associate director of the new center.
“But that professional development process can take years, and everyone associated with the industry wants to minimize mining–related illness, injuries and fatalities now,” Nelson adds. “I hope that the center can serve as a catalyst for change. We will make a difference, but this must be a partnership among many stakeholders.”