The staffers visited multiple locations as part of the “Arizona Identity” tour. University leaders presented on the UA’s roots in agriculture, mining and engineering, and how these specialties have evolved to meet modern needs.
The College of Engineering’s Craig M. Berge Dean, David Hahn, welcomed the delegation at the university’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory. He addressed the ongoing importance of fulfilling the University of Ariona’s land grant mission.
Equipment manufacturer Komatsu recently began testing automated equipment at the mining laboratory. Kray Luxbacher, MGE department head and the Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair of Mining and Geological Engineering, spoke about automation in the mining industry. Automation provides opportunities to address the field’s workforce shortages and provide highly skilled positions that require working with the technology, Luxbacher said.
Staffers from 10 federal offices participated in the Arizona Identity tour.
James Werner, assistant director of the San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory, shows visitors the student-run, multi-level mine. In addition to serving as a teaching environment, the laboratory has long been a training and research resource for federal and state agencies, as well as organizations devoted to underground research, tunnel safety and mine rescue.
Congressional staffers from 10 federal offices toured the San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory on Oct. 2, 2024. They visited multiple locations as part of the “Arizona Identity” tour. University leaders presented on the UA’s roots in agriculture, mining and engineering, and how these specialties have evolved to meet modern needs.