Mining mill endorsement graduates first UAF class
September 20, 2016
The ÐÓ°Épro 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 ÐÓ°Épro’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 ÐÓ°Épro
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 .