Poulton Discusses Arizona Mining Innovations with AZ Big Media

MGE professor emerita Mary Poulton recently discussed mining innovations such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles in Arizona with AZ Big Media. 

“We are fortunate to have the most advanced technology companies for mining located in Arizona, a world-class minerals program at the University of Arizona, and a large skilled workforce,” said Poulton, who also serves as co-director of the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources. “When you couple all of these assets with an emphasis on environmental protection and conservation of water, Arizona is one of the areas with the most responsible mining on earth.”

As AZ Big Media reports, while innovations in the mining industry continue to support sustainable practices, they are also helping to fuel the growth of renewable energy.

“As a technology hub for mining, Arizona is becoming the ‘Silicon Valley of mining,’” Poulton says. “And, as more technology companies are attracted to Arizona, more jobs are created.  These companies serve a global mining industry. The University of Arizona helps develop the technologies that are being commercialized by these companies and also helps supply the workforce necessary to use the technologies.”

Poulton provides the example of ASARCO’s designation of land by the Santa Cruz River near the Mission Mine for a massive solar farm. The solar energy not only helps provide some of the power for its Mineral Discovery Center, but also puts energy on the grid to supply power to Tucson homes.

“Most companies have programs to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions ranging from renewable energy to energy-efficient vehicles, pumps, motors, etc.,” Poulton says. “Faculty at the University of Arizona have had research programs on using different kinds of solar arrays on mine tailings — solar arrays that float and can reduce evaporation (these two were done by Dr. Moe Momayez).”