Mining in the United States goes way back. There’s evidence that Indigenous people mined copper in Michigan as far back as 7,000 years. Minnesota’s Vermilion Range started shipping iron ore in 1884, followed by the Mesabi Range in 1892.
So what happens when a centuries-old industry meets the modern world? A lot. Which is why the SME Minnesota conference is a must-do for NRRI minerals and metallurgical researchers every year. The Minnesota Section SME – Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration – brings together midwest industry and research professionals to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.
Keynote themes addressed leveraging automation and artificial intelligence for the future of Minnesota’s mining industry and insights on stakeholder engagement. The Technical Program included papers related to North American iron ore resources and processing, geology and emerging mineral opportunities, mine safety, and tailings and water management, among others.
“This conference really helps us understand trends and stay connected to industry needs and challenges,” said Matt Mlinar, NRRI Minerals & Metallurgy Research Group leader. “It’s the largest regional SME event and it keeps us relevant to industry evolution.”
NRRI Business Development Manager, Jeff Jackson, noted that this is a time of change for the mining industry. Mines are responding to rapid changes in permitting requirements and tariff policies in the United States. At the same time, global competitiveness is more important than ever. Mining companies that are adopting technology improvements are more competitive than the companies that are slow to adopt. Modernization was a theme that he picked up on.
“NRRI is getting strong interest in our ability to develop solutions for mining companies,” said Jackson. “We can tailor new technologies to their ore and mining operation at a small scale, before they buy expensive equipment. It really reduces the risk for them and they see the value in working with us. It was exciting to be a part of this conference.”
Four NRRI researchers presented research that aims to unlock unique Minnesota opportunities.
Reducing iron industry carbon impacts: NRRI is developing an innovative engineered biocarbon material to replace fossil coal-based carbon in electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production. This novel material and technology will be demonstrated at a commercial EAF in the near future. (Presented by Matt Young, engineer/biomass specialist)
Identifying new ways to explore critical minerals: Olivine, a mineral found in certain igneous rocks, offers opportunities for new ways to source and extract valuable metals like nickel and cobalt, while offering carbon sequestration potential. (Presented by Joyashish Thakurta, economic geologist)
Demonstrating valuable use for taconite waste rock: NRRI shared successful results of a three-year study of crushed taconite tailings as high friction road surface treatment. This bountiful Iron Range resource can replace expensive calcined bauxite with comparable skid resistance. (Presented by Sara Post, senior scientist/engineer)
Managing sulfur in industrial effluent: NRRI is scaling up successful bench-scale research using helpful bacteria with electrode stimulation to reduce sulfate in industrial wastewater and recover useful sulfur materials. (Presented by Chan Lan Chun, environmental engineer)
“While most of the mining companies knew about NRRI already, we developed new projects based on some new equipment and capabilities we've onboarded recently,” said Jackson. “We are always scanning the horizon for breakthrough technologies that will support the future mining industry.”