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The 1,500-word essay by Daniel Marsh, a junior in mining engineering, focused on mining reclamation and sustainability.

By Ed Stiles, College of Engineering
May 2, 2008

Daniel Marsh, a junior in mining engineering at The University of Arizona, won $3,000 and an engraved plaque in the 2007 Michelin Mining Essay Contest.

Marsh was the first runner-up. Jon Warner, a junior in mining engineering at the University of Utah, was the overall winner.

Marsh received the award in March during a presentation on the UA campus. Michelin executives were on hand to present the award, and Mary Poulton, department head in mining and geological engineering, as well as other faculty members attended the award ceremony.

Experts from the mining industry selected the winning essays from dozens of entries. The essays were judged on how well they addressed the topic, as well as for creativity, originality and how well the essay communicated the student’s thoughts.

Students at 13 colleges and universities throughout North America entered the contest, which is in its third year.

This year, students were asked to discuss the requirements and importance of reclamation, and to detail ways to establish and maintain environmentally friendly processes throughout the life of a mining operation without diminishing productivity. In addition they were asked to discuss what steps could be taken in different geographic regions to return land to usefulness once a mining operation is completed.

Marsh submitted a 1,500-word essay titled “Mining Reclamation and Sustainability.”

“The Michelin Mining Essay Contest is designed to give engineering students throughout the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to address real-world challenges facing the modern mining industry,” said Bill VanSomeren, director of marketing and sales, surface mining, Michelin Earthmover Tires.

“We are very encouraged by the entries that we received,” VanSomeren added. “The mining industry certainly has a bright future because of students like these, and Michelin is committed to supporting the education of the next generation of mining engineers and professionals.”

Michelin Earthmover Tires produces radial tires for equipment ranging from forklifts, to loaders, to giant haul earthmovers. Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases.

Michelin North America, based in Greenville, S.C., employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.