Representing the equipment manufacturing, minerals exploration, copper, and coal sectors of the industry, this year’s four inductees cover a diverse cross-section of the mining industry. Glen A. Barton (pictured), J. David Lowell, Samuel Newhouse, and John Cleveland Osgood will join 214 other mining industry pioneers when they are formally inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame at the 25th Silver Anniversary Induction Banquet & Ceremony on September 22, 2012 at the Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
They were selected for being visionaries, leaders, and ambassadors, both within their own sectors and across the industry at large.
GLEN A. BARTON’s (1939 – ) leadership made Caterpillar the world’s leading provider of mining equipment by creating the roots that support the organisation today. His global career included managing operations in the USA, Europe, and South Americas. He retired as Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar in 2004.
J. DAVID LOWELL (1928 – ) discovered and contributed to the discovery of a number of major producing mines, including La Escondida in Chile, which was developed into the world’s largest copper mine, and the nearby Zaldivar-Escondida Norte orebody. He is recognised as one of the world’s foremost authorities on porphyry copper deposits.
SAMUEL NEWHOUSE (1853 – 1930) was the first to recognise the commercial potential of the Bingham Canyon, Utah, copper deposits; the first to develop a profitable underground copper mine based on the deposit’s sulphide ores; and the first to develop a large-scale surface mine based on the deposit’s porphyry copper ores.
JOHN CLEVELAND OSGOOD (1851 – 1926) was one of the founders of the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company and a coal baron whose influence extended throughout the Rocky Mountain West. His empire included 38 mining camps and rolling mills in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. He was the undisputed fuel king of the West.
NMHF&M Executive Director, Bob Hartzell said: “We are very proud to have the opportunity to honor these luminaries of the mining industry by inducting them into our Hall of Fame. Each has made an indelible contribution to mining, and they join the company of some legendary mining figures in the Hall of Fame.”
“The Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Ceremony is a marquee event for the NMHF&M each year and is not only a celebration of the inductees, but of the mining industry as a whole,” said Hartzell. “It is a real thrill to see people from all corners of the industry and the country come together to recognize the outstanding achievements of the inductees.”
The National Mining Association has been selected to receive the 2012 Gary Prazen Living Legend of Mining Award at the Induction Banquet. The NMHF&M presents the Prazen Award to an individual or organisation each year that has demonstrated a continuing commitment to educate the public on the vital importance of mining.
NMA’s many educational programs and efforts to promote an awareness and appreciation of the mining and minerals industry are outstanding examples of how to provide the general public with a greater understanding of the industry’s role in our everyday lives. NMA’s goal is to continue to educate targeted audiences about the importance of minerals mining to American innovation, growth, and security and to help elevate U.S. minerals mining in relevant public policy debates in Washington and throughout the country.
Minerals Make Life (MML) – an NMA initiative – educates US policymakers, key stakeholders, the media, and the public about the importance of minerals mining to the United States. The initiative serves as the foundation for an integrated communications program based on the following five pillars: Education, Digital Engagement, Media Relations, Influencer Engagement, and Grassroots Advocacy.
“It is through the excellent work of organizations such as NMA that the industry can continue to increase public awareness, perception and understanding of the impact that mining has on everyday life,” said Hartzell.