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Under the tutelage of Dr. Bruce
Tippin, MRL Director, the North Carolina Industries of the Future
Program is picking up steam. This concept was initiated by the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on a national level, receiving
funding in 1998/1999, which continued through 2000/2001. The mining
industry is one of seven initially considered for funding, and
must have financial support from a company and/or companies from
the mining industry.
Dr. Tippin, working with contacts in the west,
was instrumental in obtaining funds for mining research. Support
from North Carolina was solicited through the University to the
state's federal representatives in Washington, D.C. With the help
of numerous mining companies, federal research laboratories, the
National Mining Association (NMA), and the DOE, $3.7 million was
allotted to mining for fiscal year 2000/2001. $5 million has been
requested for 2001/2002. Given the demise of the US Bureau of
Mines, this is a major victory for our industry.
As a result of the success at the federal level,
the DOE has initiated the same type of program at the state level.
Several states already have an ongoing program, including Kentucky,
West Virginia. and Oregon. Other states are in the process of
forming their own programs, but only three are directed toward
mining.
Through his association with the NMA, Technology
Committee, Dr. Tippin began working with the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory to investigate the possibility of instituting a program
for North Carolina. Over the past 20 months, meetings have been
held with various groups and companies to explore the topic.
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| We do have an edge, as
Dr. Tippin serves on a volunteer review committee charged with recommending
proposals for the DOE national program. Although restricted by a
Conflict of Interest agreement preventing him from reviewing proposals
from North Carolina, Dr. Tippin gained valuable insight on interests
and priorities, and is able to input the research interests of the
industrial minerals, stone, sand, and aggregate sectors, which are
often overlooked.
This program can have a very positive influence
on North Carolina mining (and the US industry), and any companies
interested in supporting, participating, or seeking additional
information are urged to contact Dr. Tippin at the Minerals Research
Laboratory.
For further information:
Dr. R. Bruce Tippin, Director, NCSU Minerals Research
Laboratory, 180 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, N.C. 28801, Telephone:
828.251.6155 ext. 222
Ms Rita Joyner, State Energy Office, NC Department
of Administration, 1830A Tillery Place, Raleigh, N.C. 27604, Telephone:
919.733.1895
Mr. David Godfrey, U.S. Department of Energy,
Atlanta Regional Office (Suite 200), 75 Spring Street SW, Atlanta
Georgia, 30303, http://www.oit.doe.gov,
Telephone: 404.562.0568
Mr. John Morrison, Advanced Energy Office, 909
Capability Drive (Suite 2100), Raleigh, N.C. 27695, Telephone:
919.857.9038.
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| Dr.
Tippin describes these meetings as cautiously positive. The main
concern is if mining companies in North Carolina, who are often
competitors in the market place, would buy in to cooperative research
efforts.
In 2000/2001, the NC State Energy Office submitted
a proposal to the DOE for a state grant to develop an Industry
of the Future program for North Carolina. Three industries were
selected to participate, including mining (MRL), forestry (NCSU),
and chemical (NC AT&T).
The DOE grant was approved in June, 2000, for
two years of funding at $200,000. In addition, the Industrial
Extension Service of NC State University received another $200,000,
and the SEO provided an additional $125,000.
From the three money sources, a total of $550,000
is available. From this funding, the MRL was awarded a $140,000
sub-contract over the next two years for organizational meetings
and materials, with additional funding available from the SEO.
The coordinating agency is the NC State Energy
Office, and the program will be managed by the NCSU Industrial
Extension Service. Details of the program and its organizational
structure are still in the planning stages.
However, Dr. Tippin points out that the ultimate
success of the program long term will depend on companies' willingness
to participate in these cooperative efforts.
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