A large gathering of industry executives from around the world sat down to dinner in the Grand Salon of the Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City to witness the celebration of the first inductees into the International Mining Technology Hall of Fame (www.im-halloffame.com). Following a drinks reception sponsored by Boart Longyear, Preston Chiaro, Rio Tinto Group Executive Technology and Innovation, shown in the picture, opened the official proceedings.

IM Editor Paul Moore and Rio Tinto  Head of Innovation John McGagh read out the citations and presented the awards to 12 inductees or their representatives. It was particularly pleasing to have two family groups at the event. Terry Mudder, inducted for Environmental Management and Stewardship, was supported by five memebers of his family, and four daughters of the late Dr James J Scott the man behind the Split Set rock stabliser) collected his Underground Support award. They are Deborah Castle, Wendy Carter, Polly Scott-Showalter and Amy Sansotta.

Redpath Mining presented the Safety award to Matt Eichinger of Mine Safety Appliances representing John T. Ryan Sr and George H Deike Sr, the founders of his company. Sandvik Mining presented the Outstanding Innovator award to David George, Chief Advisor, Processing, Technology and Innovation at Rio Tinto.

Guests had flown in from places as far afield as Australia, Canada, Finland, the UK and more.

The complete proceedings and details of the inductees (now available on www.im-halloffame.com)  will be published in a special supplement in the May issue of International Mining.

All shortlisted 2013 nominees will roll over to the 2014 inductions, which will be presented at a gala event early in 2015 – dates and location to be advised very soon. New nominations are now being accepted.