M&E Past Chair wisdom: Brad Dunn

Brad Dunn chaired the Mining & Exploration (M&E) Division in 2023. With 30 years in mining, he has spent equal time in mining operations — surface and underground gold and copper — and mining consulting, specializing in mining geology, grade control and NI43-101 reporting. Dunn has been a senior mining geologist at OceanaGold (New Zealand) and Barr Engineering (Minnesota) and is presently principal advisor at Rio Tinto Copper R&D based in Utah. He lives in Salt Lake City, UT, with his wife Stephanie and their children, Alice and James. How did you first get involved with SME? I learned about SME from a close friend while at OceanaGold’s Macraes Mine in New Zealand, where the SME Mining Engineering Handbook impressed me with its practical value. After relocating to the United States, I joined SME and quickly benefited from its strong network, mentorships and lasting professional relationships. I still have that copy of the handbook with me today. How did you get involved with the M&E Division? After my introduction to SME in New Zealand, I received excellent mentorship at Barr and Rio Tinto in the United States and was constantly encouraged to attend M&E meetings in person. Over the years, I have observed how much the M&E Division values participation and volunteering, regardless of age or experience. The division has always welcomed SME members at M&E gatherings, with past chairs in particular assisting newcomers in getting involved. What is an initiative you started or accomplished while serving as chair? As Division Chair between two strong leaders in 2022 and 2024, I advanced an initiative started in 2022 by my predecessor to create a scholarship for mechanical and electrical engineering students. In 2023, my efforts centered on securing funding, identifying mining schools and engaging SME stakeholders. The initiative continued under my successor in 2024, strengthening M&E’s contribution in line with our division’s tradition of supporting the industry through multiple established scholarships. What has been your favorite role or favorite part of SME (that wasn’t serving as chair)? I am pleased to note the consistent growth in mining geology content within technical programs and papers each year. The geoscience sessions frequently comprise the largest segment of the M&E technical program at the annual meeting. I have taken on various roles in this program, including program area manager, session chair and presenter. This involvement will continue as I serve as a session chair during the upcoming program in Salt Lake City in February. What is the hardest aspect of serving on an executive committee? Serving on an executive committee for SME involves considerable time and travel commitments. I have just completed a seven-year term on the M&E Executive Committee and have traveled all over the country to attend midyear and annual meetings. I am grateful to have had strong backing from my employers to meet these commitments, as well as having a supportive family who were very flexible and understanding when I was out of town and unavailable for family-related activities. What is a piece of advice that you would want to pass down to the younger generation? Consistent participation is encouraged whenever possible, whether at local chapter meetings, midyear conferences, annual conferences or technical sessions. Active engagement in SME — through attendance and volunteering time and expertise — can yield significant professional and personal growth. My own experience within my division and the broader SME community has provided valuable knowledge, increased confidence, and meaningful development within the industry I love.

M&E Past Chair wisdom: Brad Dunn

Authored by: Staff

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To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

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