Teachers hear presentations by professionals from research, academia, and state regulatory agencies. The presentations include a variety of information on the economics, regulations, uses, and geologic origin of Ohio's mineral resources. At the mining and mining-related operations visited during the field trips, industry professionals from individual mining companies discuss the mechanics, economics, and environmental concerns associated with mining specific mineral commodities. The intent of the workshops is to open the eyes of the teachers, and therefore their students, to the daily need for Ohio's mineral resources and the environmentally responsible way these resources are being extracted in Ohio. All citizens rely on the science of geology and consume mineral resources daily.
Mining is a necessary human activity.
The land being mined can be reclaimed to be compatible with farming, grazing, commercial and residential development, or recreation. The overwhelming interest, enthusiasm, and positive comments expressed by past workshop participants indicate that the effort put forth by all involved is successful. To enroll for either workshop, you must register for two semester hours of graduate or undergraduate credit through the University of Akron. Enrollment is limited to the first 25 applicants for each workshop.