UNIONTOWN, Pa. – Graduating seniors from the Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus’ mining technology associate degree program presented their Capstone projects on Monday, April 23 on campus.
Twenty-four students conducted research on pertinent issues or problems that needed improvement within the mining industry. As a result, students expanded their knowledge base by conducting helpful research. Mining operations will be able to capitalize on the new safety, technology, and production initiatives identified by these research projects.
Mining professionals from local coal companies and equipment manufacturers were in attendance to watch the students make their presentations. Presentation topics included proximity censors, mine drainage, transportation, wire rope vs. synthetic rope, and river operations.
Larry Hunchuck, the program coordinator, said, “This program gears students to develop leadership positions within the mining industry and gives them a well-rounded educational background to deal with issues such as safety, critical thinking, management and communication skills.”
Penn State Fayette’s mining technology degree program is the only one of its kind in the state and trains students to attain leadership roles in the mining industry. Prospective students have the opportunity to choose a maintenance or production focus, or a combination. The maintenance-oriented track prepares students to become maintenance supervisors, while the production-oriented track educates students to become mine supervisors or engineering aids. Anyone interested in learning more about Penn State Fayette’s mining technology degree program should contact Larry Hunchuck at lah45@psu.edu.