2019 Medal of Merit, Vicki Seppala, American Mining Hall of Fame
The Mining Foundation of the Southwest is pleased to recognize Vicki Seppala Peacey, General Manager, Climax Mine, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. as a 2019 recipient of the Medal of Merit for induction into the American Mining Hall of Fame on 7 December 2019.
Non-traditional was a label used to describe Vicki Seppala when she returned to college. Returning to university after working in another industry was difficult but a path desired in her quest for a better life for herself and young son. It was just a Mine and Geological Engineering recruiting brochure on the science wall at Glendale Community College, but it caught her eye and Seppala soon found herself moving to Tucson with her fourth grade son and enrolling in the University of Arizona Geological Engineering program where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree. She received scholastic scholarships each year and graduated with honors; she also was chosen the 1994 Outstanding Senior for the College of Engineering and Mines.
After graduation, although the industry was in a down cycle, Seppala was hired as a Geological Engineer with the Phelps Dodge Sierrita mine (now Freeport-McMoRan Inc.). Her leadership skills and enthusiasm of new challenges propelled Seppala into operational roles of increasing responsibility rapidly rising to Mine Operations & Maintenance Superintendent. In 2003 she was promoted to Mine Technology Manager responsible for investigating, developing, and introducing new/existing technology to Freeport’s copper mines in North and South America.
In 2006 Seppala was promoted to Mine Manager at Freeport’s Candelaria operation near Copiapo, Chile, becoming the first woman Mine Manager in Chile. The Mining Industry in Chile was rapidly changing with respect to women in nontraditional roles at that time, and Seppala became a part of that change. She helped introduce women haul truck drivers at the Candelaria operation.
After 4 ½ years in Chile, Seppala transferred back to the United States landing at Morenci as the Mine Manager, Fragmentation & Loading and subsequently the Mine Engineering Manager. In 2014 she was appointed Director, Corporate Safety responsible for planning, directing and leading the implementation of safety programs and policies for Freeport-McMoRan Americas.
In July 2018, Seppala was promoted to General Manager of the Climax Molybdenum Mine near Leadville, Colorado.
Born in Rogers, Arkansas, Seppala graduated high school in Glendale, Arizona. Away from work Seppala cherishes time spent with her son, Clay Seppala, his wife, LeAna, and their three daughters, Gwen, Charlotte and Rachel. Seppala thrives on adventure through work, travel and outdoor activities.
Seppala has spent her entire mining career at Freeport, is an active SME Member, sits on the Board of Directors of the Lowell Institute of Mineral Resources, and engages with many Women in Mining groups.
Frank Calandra Jr. - National Mining Hall of Fame Inductee #245
FRANK CALANDRA, JR.
1937 -
Frank Calandra, Jr. is an icon in ground control technology for the mining, tunneling and civil construction industries. He has brought passion, sweat equity and shrewd business acumen to bear as he has grown Frank Calandra, Inc. (FCI) and Jennmar from a single plant in western Pennsylvania to a world-class enterprise employing thousands globally. Frank’s innovation and commitment to safety is demonstrated by his companies’ 100 patents (20 of which are his own) on ground control devices that make mines safer and more efficient.
Frank attended Carnegie Institute of Technology (Carnegie-Mellon) majoring in Metallurgy. He received a B.S. in Accounting from St. Francis College and started his career in 1960 as Senior Accountant for Ernst & Ernst in Pittsburgh, PA working on several major coal and steel company accounts. In 1963, for Main & LaFrentz in Los Angeles, CA, he worked for major construction companies, metal mines and mortgage service companies.
Frank joined FCI in 1965 serving as Chief Financial Officer until 1979. He founded Jennmar in 1968 and has been President and Chief Executive since its inception. Jennmar quickly grew with Frank’s patented innovations, the Combination Bolt and Insta’l Bolt, which greatly improved mining cycles and reduced wood timbers and arches. Frank Jr. became co-owner of FCI in 1968. He is Chairman of all U.S. Frank Calandra, Inc. subsidiaries, J-LOK Corp., JM Steel, J-LOK Co.; Vice President of FCI and Marjenn Trucking and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jennmar Australia, Jennmar China and the Calandra Group.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Frank was instrumental in upgrading ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, particularly the ASTM-F432 standards, in roof control in state and federal regulations. He was instrumental in upgrading the strength of steel requirements and other safety specifications for installation of roof supports and created quality assurance programs in manufacturing mine roof control products for coal and hard rock mines. He also created a lab at Jennmar’s company headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA to research and develop innovative new product lines.
Frank has contributed his time, expertise and financial support to ensure a balanced political and regulatory climate for mining. A board member of the National Mining Association, he has served on various committees concerning manufacturers’ specifications and policies. He is a board member of the National Coal Council, Center for Energy and Economic Development, American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity and National Association of Manufacturers. He is a long-standing member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) as well as the Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia Coal Associations. In 2018, Frank was inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame.
With over 50 years in the mining industry, dozens of patents bearing his name, and having built 25 plants worldwide, Frank Calandra’s name is internationally synonymous with high-quality products, service and state-of-the-art ground control technology in underground mining.
Leadville Mining Museum
Inside the mine shaft at Leadville mining museum Colorado
Leadville Home Tour pt.1
At 10,152 feet, it's the United State's highest incorporated city. In addition to the rich mining history, the unique, creative, artistic paint schemes on the Victorian houses and other distinctive house designs create an eclectic array in this small town.
Leadville was home to H.A.W. Tabor, who became almost as famous for leaving his wife and marrying a younger woman as for discovering one of the richest silver strikes in the state. His second wife, Baby Doe Tabor, became the stuff of legends — there's even an opera about her.
Leadville was a very influential boomtown — it was almost named as Colorado's capital city. Well-preserved, Leadville has 70-square city blocks of Victorian buildings, all part of a designated National Historic Landmark District, along with 20-square miles of a preserved mining district. More than 50 buildings date back to the 1870s, including the Tabor Opera House.
Leadville is located in the geographic center of Colorado, on U.S. Hwy. 24, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. The town's paved Mineral Belt Trail offers year-round recreation for bikers, hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
In winter, head out to Ski Cooper, a great and affordable family ski area; in summer, catch a ride on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad excursion. And don't miss the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, a truly fascinating look at the powerful industry and all the metals that helped build the state.
Just 20 miles from the town of Leadville at the base of Independence Pass is the historic Twin Lakes area, where you'll find world-class fishing and some of Colorado's most spectacular lake and peak scenery. Twin Lakes is close to the trailhead of Mount Elbert and the renowned Interlaken Hotel historical site. It's a true small-town American West experience.
Leadville The Greatest Silver Camp of the Old West
A short history of Leadville, in verse, with original music, with old Leadville pictures, by Sam Galey
Leadville Home Tour pt.3
At 10,152 feet, it's the United State's highest incorporated city. In addition to the rich mining history, the unique, creative, artistic paint schemes on the Victorian houses and other distinctive house designs create an eclectic array in this small town.
Leadville was home to H.A.W. Tabor, who became almost as famous for leaving his wife and marrying a younger woman as for discovering one of the richest silver strikes in the state. His second wife, Baby Doe Tabor, became the stuff of legends — there's even an opera about her.
Leadville was a very influential boomtown — it was almost named as Colorado's capital city. Well-preserved, Leadville has 70-square city blocks of Victorian buildings, all part of a designated National Historic Landmark District, along with 20-square miles of a preserved mining district. More than 50 buildings date back to the 1870s, including the Tabor Opera House.
Leadville is located in the geographic center of Colorado, on U.S. Hwy. 24, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. The town's paved Mineral Belt Trail offers year-round recreation for bikers, hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
In winter, head out to Ski Cooper, a great and affordable family ski area; in summer, catch a ride on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad excursion. And don't miss the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, a truly fascinating look at the powerful industry and all the metals that helped build the state.
Just 20 miles from the town of Leadville at the base of Independence Pass is the historic Twin Lakes area, where you'll find world-class fishing and some of Colorado's most spectacular lake and peak scenery. Twin Lakes is close to the trailhead of Mount Elbert and the renowned Interlaken Hotel historical site. It's a true small-town American West experience.
Leadville Home Tour pt.2
At 10,152 feet, it's the United State's highest incorporated city. In addition to the rich mining history, the unique, creative, artistic paint schemes on the Victorian houses and other distinctive house designs create an eclectic array in this small town.
Leadville was home to H.A.W. Tabor, who became almost as famous for leaving his wife and marrying a younger woman as for discovering one of the richest silver strikes in the state. His second wife, Baby Doe Tabor, became the stuff of legends — there's even an opera about her.
Leadville was a very influential boomtown — it was almost named as Colorado's capital city. Well-preserved, Leadville has 70-square city blocks of Victorian buildings, all part of a designated National Historic Landmark District, along with 20-square miles of a preserved mining district. More than 50 buildings date back to the 1870s, including the Tabor Opera House.
Leadville is located in the geographic center of Colorado, on U.S. Hwy. 24, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. The town's paved Mineral Belt Trail offers year-round recreation for bikers, hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
In winter, head out to Ski Cooper, a great and affordable family ski area; in summer, catch a ride on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad excursion. And don't miss the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, a truly fascinating look at the powerful industry and all the metals that helped build the state.
Just 20 miles from the town of Leadville at the base of Independence Pass is the historic Twin Lakes area, where you'll find world-class fishing and some of Colorado's most spectacular lake and peak scenery. Twin Lakes is close to the trailhead of Mount Elbert and the renowned Interlaken Hotel historical site. It's a true small-town American West experience.
Hopemore Mine - Leadville CO --- Incredible Historic Mine Tour!!!
8.29.14 - Hopemore Mine - Leadville CO
One of the few remaining underground historic mine tours.
Music
Artist: Sean Mackey
Song: Sundown
Release:
Follow the Artist:
YouTube video:
Leadville History
This is a video on Leadville, CO Great place to visit!!
Leadville:The Two-Mile High City Short Documentary
Leadville, Colorado is unique town deeply rooted into the history of the state, the Gold Rush Era & the industry of mining. This short documentary tells the story of how the town rapidly changed with the Silver Boom.
Leadville, Colorado-Boom Days 2011
Recorded on August 6, 2011 using a Flip Video camera.
Leadville Mining District December 22nd 2014
Flyover Leadville, Colorado April 4, 2016 - Phantom 4
Flyover Leadville, Colorado April 4, 2016 - Phantom 4
Offroad Leadville North East Mining District Colorado Part 2
Continued video of Leadville North East mining district 2015
#54 - Part 4 July Trip - Colorado Rivers & Going To Leadville
This is part 4 of footage taken during our July 2016 road trip. We spend time on the South Platte River, The Arkansas River, and end up in Leadville, Colorado.
See Part 1 July Trip HERE:
See Part 2 July Trip HERE:
See Part 3 July Trip HERE:
See our Travel Vlog Playlist HERE:
MUSIC:
1st song: 10 bucks guitar and dental floss strings #1 by Monplaisir
2nd Song: Amy Waltz, Nov 12 2012 by Lucas Gonze
Mineral Belt Trail Chad's Shelter Leadville Today
The Mineral Belt Trail (MBT) is a 11.6 mile non-motorized trail which loops around Leadville, Colorado and meanders through the historic mining district. In this video, the Mineral Belt Trail installs the fourth, and final, shelter in the southwest quadrant of the trail, between mile marker 10 and 11, thanks to some help from Lake County Public Works.
This last structure - Chad’s Shelter - has been named in honor of Chad Smith, son of Dick and Charlene Smith. He would have carried on the fifth generation of the Smith Lumber business, which started in Leadville in 1900. Sadly, Chad Smith passed away in 2013; Smith Lumber closed its doors a little more than a year later, in July 2014.
For more on this story, turn to Leadville Today website.
Lexy's 22nd Birthday: Top of the Rockies Zip Line
Our first time zip lining at Top of the Rockies near Copper Colorado
Music:
On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons
Life in Color - One Republic
Mining district east of Leadville sometime after college late February 2014
Flat Stanley's Visit to Salida CO in the Rocky Mountains! He hikes, bikes & learns about animals.
These are photos of Flat Stanley's vacation in Salida, Colorado. He arrived from Indiana to visit Salida in the Rocky Mountains. Salida is surrounded by high 13,000' and 14,000' peaks that have lots of snow in the winter. The Arkansas River flows through town. It runs all the way to the Mississippi River in the state of Arkansas. I had a good time hiking & biking with Pam. We wanted Anna & Claire to see this place too. Pam took photos ( they can be seen at the bottom of the page at RubyCreekPress.com recent exposures
Pam and her friend Judy of Tell A Tale Video, tellatalevideo@gmail.com made a slideshow of pictures of me having FUN! . Thanks gals for sharing my adventure with Anna and her class!