Yesterday, the Colorado Mining Association held its 2007 St. Barbara’s Day Celebration. In addition to observing the patron saint of mining, the event also recognized the outstanding life-time contributions to Colorado mining by Stanley Dempsey – underground miner / geologist gone corporate: lawyer, executive, and investment banker. Mr. Dempsey accepted this award with quiet pride. He seemed a humble man and those around him were obviously respectful.
The room was filled with a diverse spectrum of handsome white-haired old guys and lovely women. Diane Dudley, (Co-Chair of the Denver Mining Club), and I, were both pleasantly surprised to see young people there! Where did they come from?
Some of the hot topics included, of course, Freeport-McMoRan’s announcement the Climax Molybdenum mine will be reopening — General Manager, Jim Arnold, was there with his lovely wife, Laurie – the latter told us of her involvement with Women in Mining when they used to live in Nevada.
Other interesting attendants included Anne Weber – another geo gone lawyer. Her land status business was one of many “support-type” services represented at the event. Vivien Hui and her friend, Karen, from RCAI, whose company manufactures a non-stick coating for mining processes, are also Ragged Ass Miners. Jim Murray, President of Arrakis engineering firm, helped me undercut a chocolate cake while Paul Gates, from Marston evaluated the structural damage.
Afterward, Diane and I agreed it is so nice to relax in the safe haven of a mining event, surrounded by reasonable mining people, than to be on guard about our passion: the mining industry at other events.
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