LEADVILLE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–2016 National Mining Hall of Fame Inductees – The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum (NMHFM) today announced the 2016 National Mining Hall of Fame inductees. This year’s inductees, selected by the National Mining Hall of Fame’s Board of Governors, represent exploration and extraction, environmental stewardship, management, education, and research and development in the U.S. mining industry. Their contributions have had significant and lasting impacts on the mineral and mining industry; these individuals were selected for being leaders, innovators, authors, mentors, and philanthropists.
Stanley Dempsey, Haydn H. Murray, William N. Poundstone, and Robert S. Shoemaker will join 232 other mining industry honorees when formally inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame on Sept. 24, 2016. The 29th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony will be held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV.
2016 National Mining Hall of Fame Inductees:
Stanley Dempsey – Stan Dempsey is one of the most multi-faceted individuals in the mining community. As a geologist, lawyer, historian, author, corporate executive, and investment banker he put his skills to use championing collaborative approaches to compliance, environmental assessment, and reclamation planning. He was proactive in environmental protectionism. He had a prestigious career with AMAX Inc. prior to building Royal Gold Inc. from the ground up, transforming it from a struggling oil and gas company into a gold royalty business worth $1.5 billion when he retired as Executive Chairman in 2008. Dempsey has given generously of his time and is active in trade, professional, civic, and environmental organizations. He has been instrumental in the ongoing preservation of mining history as a past chairman of the Board of Directors and a long time appointee of the Board of Governors of The National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum.
Dr. Haydn H. Murray – Dr. Murray was an internationally recognized expert on applied clay mineralogy. His research and leadership in applied clay mineralogy resulted in four U.S. patents and led to the development of innovative new kaolin products for paper coating and filling, enhanced single coat coverage in paints, and expanded uses for clays in ceramics, plastics, and other commercial applications. As chief operating officer of Georgia Kaolin Company, he expanded their interests to bentonite clay, sodium and calcium bentonites, halloysite, and European kaolins through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. In academia, he created the first program in applied clay science in the U.S. at Indiana University. Murray’s book “Applied Clay Mineralogy” continues as a valued reference for researchers, geologists, and mine operators.
William N. Poundstone – William Poundstone is recognized for his contributions to the development of improved underground coal mining technology. An inventor and problem solver, he received 34 patents primarily for mining equipment and conveyors. He authored numerous technical publications and was recognized for pioneering work in the development of drilling techniques for coal seam degasification, mine safety, and coalbed product. Poundstone served on numerous energy policy committees and was of service in many national associations. He concluded his career as Executive Vice President with Consol in 1982. He endowed the William N. Poundstone Professorship in Mining Engineering at West Virginia University. The William N. Poundstone Lecture Series brings mining industry authorities to campus to share their expertise with students and faculty.
Robert S. Shoemaker – Robert Shoemaker was one of the most operations savvy engineers of his time. With a keen eye for detail, he had an uncanny ability to spot the weak link in a design and a devotion to the practical application of appropriate theory. Shoemaker has numerous process designs to his credit but it was precious metal extraction that really distinguished him from his peers. He was a leader in the revolution in gold metallurgy in the late 1970’s, 80’s, and 90’s: the three components of which included 1) the introduction of heap and dump leaching on a large scale to treat low grade ores; 2) the widespread adoption of carbon absorption systems for metal recovery from cyanide solution; and 3) the development of methods to effectively process refractory sulfidic ores including chlorination, roasting, and pressure oxidation. Shoemaker had a huge impact not only in mineral processing, but also in mentoring young people and seeing them advance in their careers. He and his wife Jean pledged $1 million for Ph.D grants in minerals education to the SME Foundation.
Commenting on this year’s inductees, NMHFM Board of Directors Chairman Frank McAllister said, “Most understand America is blessed with an abundance of mineable natural resources that sustain and advance our comforts of life. But far too many do not appreciate the high caliber of men and women it takes to make this possible. The National Mining Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor the legacies of such individuals and is delighted to add to its celebrated legacies: Stanley Dempsey, Dr. Haydn H. Murray, William N. Poundstone, and Robert S. Shoemaker as its 2016 inductees.”
Full length biographies and photographs of all inductees can be accessed on the NMHFM web site at www.mininghallofame.org along with additional information about the museum and its facilities.
