MINING & MILITARY VETERANS

Recognizing Mining Support of Veterans and a Call to Recognize Veterans

As you’ll notice in this issue of Rock & Gem, a couple of articles highlight individuals in the mineralogy, lapidary, and geology community whose military service and deeply ingrained patriotism was interwoven with their passion for rocks, minerals, gems, and fossils.

With the 101st observation of Veterans Day (initially Armistice Day) on Nov. 11, 2020, we want to share a few examples we’ve discovered where the mining industry and mineralogy hobby are meeting veterans where they are in their lives and offering support and opportunity.

We are also working on a new element you’ll see incorporated in an upcoming issue of Rock & Gem and on our website, “showcasing veterans who operate businesses in the rockhounding and mineralogy hobby and industries. Learn more about the program and how you can participate at the end of this article.

MINDFUL MENTORING

Of the various companies with active recruitment programs to hire military veterans is Coeur Mining, with headquarters in Chicago, Ill. This company’s Coeur Heroes program is designed to mentor military personnel through various on-the-job experience, where the specific skills gained and honed during service are used. Of the company’s more than 2,000 employees, 48% have four or more years of military service.

DRIVEN DIGGING

Have you heard of “rehabilitation archaeology”? Since 2016 the organization American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) has been serving military veterans by providing opportunities to participate in archaeological fieldwork, using many of the skills, drive, and attention for detail that they earned during service. A team of professional archaeologists works with and trains the veterans in archaeological excavation techniques and processes.

Founded by veterans Stephen Humphreys and Mark Reed, the non-profit group teams up with other organizations and businesses to complete various projects, such as the 2018-2019 collaboration between AVAR and DigVentures, funded by a grant from the National Geographic Society, to excavate an area in Mount Lebanon, New York that was the site of a significant Shaker community in the 18th and 19th century. www.americanveteransarchaeology.org

U.S. VETERANS MINING “DOWN UNDER”

Earlier this year, Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military’s news resource, reported a growing trend among Australian mining companies promoting workforce opportunities to U.S. military veterans.

With the Australian mining industry continuing to play a significant role in that country’s economy, and more new mining operations in the works, the country — which reports a population of just over 20 million — needs more skilled workers to the jobs. That’s where the Australian government hopes U.S. military veterans can lend a hand. Prior to COVID19-related travel restrictions, the Australian government streamlined American workers’ process to gain visas. Look for the first veteran service spotlight in the January 2021 issue.