Mining mill endorsement graduates first UAF class
September 20, 2016
The University of Alaska Fairbanks had its first commencement ceremony for its inaugural
Mining Mill Operations occupational endorsement this summer. Nine students completed
the 10-week training program, which is the first of its kind in the nation.
The program provides qualified technical mill operators to support Alaska’s large-scale
mines. Representatives from Coeur Kensington Mine, Hecla Greens Creek Mine, Kinross
Fort Knox Mine, and Sumitomo Pogo Mine, four of the major mining companies with Alaska
operations, were on-site to interview students at the ceremony.
UAF’s Mineral Industry Research Laboratory received a U.S. Department of Labor grant
of more than $8 million to enhance mining-related training across the state, and one
of its tasks was to create a mill operations training program. Partners included the
UAF Process Technology program and Prince William Sound Community College. Tathagata
Ghosh, a professor at the UAF College of Engineering and Mines, led the effort.
The program’s first group of graduates includes Rasool Ameen, Raul Fintescu, Mickey
Mahan-Hamill, Christopher McClosky, Theresa Orozco, Cody Rasmus, Michael Skellie,
Cody Smith and Sara Wagner.
Other mining-related programs being funded through the federal grant include hard
skills mine training and mine mechanic programs. The program website is at ine.uaf.edu/mirl/taaccct.