Virginia Tech Mining and Minerals Engineering

05/29/2026

From Blacksburg to the Arctic Circle, Hokie Mining and Minerals Engineering is well represented. Bryan Smith, alumnus and Advisory Board member, proudly flew the VT flag at 66°33′ north latitude in Alaska. Thanks, Bryan, for reminding us that Hokie pride travels well. 🌎⛏️

05/20/2026

Mining and Minerals Engineering Associate Professor Wencai Zhang was recently recognized at the Virginia Tech College of Engineering awards breakfast for being named a Dean’s Fellow earlier this year, an honor that acknowledged his extraordinary performance in research. Dr. Zhang received his official recognition and plaque from Interim College of Engineering Dean David Knight during the ceremony, accompanied by Mining and Minerals Engineering professor and Department Head Aaron Noble.

Congratulations, Wencai, on this well-deserved honor and recognition of your contributions to research, teaching, and the mining engineering profession!

05/18/2026

🎓⛏️ Congratulations to the Mining & Minerals Engineering Class of 2026!

After years of hard work, late nights, and no shortage of determination, these incredible graduates have earned every bit of this moment. We couldn't be more proud!
As you head out to shape the future of the mining industry know that your hokie family, and the alumni community are cheering you on every step of the way.

05/05/2026

Congratulations to freshmen Manus Karki on earning first place in the 2026 Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize.

A mining and minerals engineering student, Karki was recognized for his poem “Visa Length,” a thoughtful reflection on identity and the experience of life in America. Read the story on VT News:
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/04/clahs-giovanni-steger-poetry-2026.html

We’re especially proud to have a poet in our ranks—proof that mining engineers don’t just work below the surface, but think deeply about the world around them!

An outstanding achievement and a great reminder of the range of talent within our community. ✍️⛏️

There were 88 poetry submissions for 10 finalist slots in the annual Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize competition. Manas Karki's first-place poem, “Visa Length,” offers a window into his experiences and those of other international students.

05/04/2026

Last Thursday’s Carter Kickoff in the Autonomous Arena at Holden Hall was a great success!

Celebrating the partnership between Virginia Tech and Carter Machinery, the event highlighted innovation in quarrying and the many career opportunities available to Virginia Tech engineering students. It was an exciting opportunity to connect industry insight with student ambition.

While more coverage is on the way, we’re pleased to share today's VT News Doodle capturing the energy and spirit of the day.

05/04/2026

Congratulations again to senior Gabriel Brenza and junior Mariano Alfaro Vargas who contributed to the Virginia Tech team, Diggeridoos, taking first place at this year's Not-a-Boring Competition. Read the full story at VT News!

After years of persistence, the Diggeridoos claimed victory by building a tunnel-boring machine that outperformed competitors from around the world.

05/01/2026

You can tell when the semester is winding down when final presentations are underway!

It’s been a full week for our mining engineering students. Seniors presented their Mine Design projects in Dr. Erik Westman’s Mining Capstone course, the culmination of a year spent designing a mine and developing an SEC S-K 1300 feasibility report.

Meanwhile, students in Dr. Noble’s Leadership for Responsible Mining course have been practicing the art of persuasion while tackling complex, real-world mining issues through a series of Oxford-style debates.

A great way to close out the semester—showcasing both technical skills and big-picture thinking! ⛏️📊🧠

04/30/2026

Students! Don't forget to join us today for the Carter Kickoff at the Holden Hall Autonomous Arena! 12-2 p.m. Food! Swag! The Quarry Industry wants your skills!

04/29/2026

🎙️ In case you missed it: Richard Bishop, Ph.D., of Virginia Tech was recently featured on a podcast hosted by Stuart Burgess during the 2026 Forum on the Geology of Industrial Minerals in Charlottesville.

Their conversation explored how mining in the U.S. is evolving, with growing momentum for domestic critical mineral exploration and development from coast to coast.

🎥 Listen to Episode 63: https://lnkd.in/emDYR8sV

A timely and insightful discussion for students, alumni, and industry partners interested in the future of minerals, mining, and resource development.

04/29/2026

We’re proud to see senior Mitchell Dreffer featured in Virginia Tech News as the outstanding senior for Mining and Minerals Engineering.

Mitchell has made the most of his time at Virginia Tech—excelling academically, leading as Drum Major of the The Marching Virginians and representing the drive and determination that define hokie mining engineers!

https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/04/eng-mining-class-mitchell-dreffer-outstanding-senior.html

Mitchell’s commitment to the mining profession and his plans to begin his career with Austin Powder Company, US & Canada highlight a promising future. Congratulations, Mitchell! We look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the mining industry and beyond.

Dreffer's not only the drum major for the Marching Virginians—he's the outstanding senior for mining and minerals engineering.

04/28/2026

Big things are happening at Virginia Tech this week!

Join us for the Carter Kickoff as we celebrate a new partnership between Carter Machinery and Virginia Tech. Learn about exciting career opportunities, internships, and student projects focused on using data, automation, and autonomy to optimize quarry systems.

📍 Autonomous Arena on the first floor of Holden Hall

📅 Thursday, April 30 | 12–2 PM (stop by anytime)

Students in Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech Bradley Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction are welcome!