The inaugural round of the global Mining Technology “Hall of Fame” top will distinguish 18 pioneering mining technology innovators and developers. The initiative intends to highlight the past and present job of important personalities in the mining industry, people that changed it for the better.
The nominated and voted-for practitioners achieving significant increases in mining productivity, efficiency and safety will be honoured at a gala dinner in Salt Lake City (United States), on February 22. But before the date arrives, here is the list of the inductees to the 2014 International Mining Technology Hall of Fame.
1. Ed Longyear
Considered an innovator n the Exploration category for his influence in contract diamond drilling, geological services and shaft sinking in the early twentieth century.
2. Gustaf Anderson
Nominated in the Underground Development category, for his lightweight hand-held drill.
3. Jeff Whittle
The developer of Whittle software is nominated in the Mining Software category for pioneering strategic mine planning on computers.
4. Fred Banfield
Founded Mintec in 1970.
5. Don Maclean
Nominated in the Underground Production category. Maclean was recognised for spearheading the development of drawpoint obstruction clearance machines, known as “blockhole jumbos”, for block caving rigs.
6. Wilhelm Löbbe
Invented and developed the “fast plow” or “Loebbe Plow”, which was introduced to the market in 1939.
7. Timo Soikkeli, Riku Pulli, Brett Cook and Janne Kallio
Sandvik’s Automine team secured the top spot in the Underground Load and Haul category for the development of an automated loading and hauling system that has now been extended to drilling.
8. Joe Joy
Developed and patented the Joy Loader.
Photo: Xstrata Technology
9. James Scott and Graeme Jameson
Led the way in the Underground Support and Concentration groups for the invention of Split Set stabilisers and flotation research, and the invention of the Jameson Cell respectively.
10. Byron Knelson
Knelson Concentrators founder was widely recognised as a leader in gravity separation and commended in the Concentration category.
11. Helmut Lerchs and Ingo Grossman
Were inducted in the Surface Mine Production class for their pit limit algorithm.
12. Alonzo Pawling and Henry Harnishfeger
The founders of P&H Mining (now part of Joy Global) were nominated into the Surface Mine Load and Haul category.
13. De Witt Buchanan
Distinguished in the Bulk Handling sector for leading the elimination of black powder from coal mining and pioneering the use of continuous miners and conveyors.
14. John Ryan and George Deike
Recognized as Redpath Mining Safety innovators, the work of the Mine Safety Appliances founders led to the end of open-flame lights with the introduction of the cap lamp.
15. Alban Lynch
Lauded for his research and education in comminution.
Photo: Rosia Montana News
16. Terry Mudder
Commended for his contributions to the field of cyanide management.
17. David George
The “Outstanding Innovator” place in the Hall of Fame went to Rio Tinto’s chief adviser for processing, mineral technology services, technology and innovation for his development and implementation of double flash copper smelting.
18. Nick Hazen
Hazen Research president and CEO was also commended.