Mining Engineers

Richard Trevithick was a British inventor and mining engineer famous for his innovative contributions to steam-powered road and rail transport. He created the first high-pressure steam engine and the initial functional railway steam locomotive. In 1804, his steam locomotive successfully pulled a train along a tramway in Wales. Trevithick also served as a mining consultant in Peru and conducted explorations in Costa Rica. Despite financial obstacles and competition, he was a prominent and esteemed figure in the fields of mining and engineering before gradually receding from public attention in his later years.

Henry Ossian Flipper made history as the first African American to graduate from West Point in 1877. He earned a commission as a second lieutenant and went on to serve with distinction in the U.S. Army. Flipper became the first nonwhite officer to lead buffalo soldiers and showcased his competency in the Apache Wars and the Victorio Campaign. However, allegations of improprieties led to a court-martial and his dismissal from the Army. Following his military career, Flipper worked as an assistant in Mexico and Latin America. In 1999, he was posthumously pardoned.

William Henry Ashley was a versatile American entrepreneur involved in various professional pursuits. He co-owned Rocky Mountain Fur Incorporated, also known as "Ashley's Hundred," where he successfully led a fur trading business with renowned mountain men from 1822 to 1834. Additionally, Ashley was active in mining, land speculation, manufacturing, politics, military service, and hunting. He was recognized as a skilled frontiersman and a slave owner during his career.

Henry Croft was a prominent figure in the logging and mining industries on Vancouver Island during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He began by acquiring a sawmill in Chemainus and skillfully managed it, propelling himself to success. Croft furthered his ventures by delving into mining on Mount Sicker and was instrumental in establishing the town of Crofton, British Columbia in 1902. His significant contributions to these industries established him as a respected figure in the region.

Mohammed Al Barwani is an Omani billionaire businessman known for founding and chairing the MB Holding Group of companies. His businesses span various sectors such as oil and gas exploration and production, oilfield services, engineering, and mining. With a focus on the energy industry, he has established a successful career by overseeing the operations and growth of his diversified portfolio of companies. Al Barwani's leadership and strategic vision have played a significant role in the success and expansion of his business empire.

John Hays Hammond was an American mining engineer, diplomat, and philanthropist known for his early advocacy of deep mining. He managed Cecil Rhodes' mines in South Africa and was involved in the unsuccessful Jameson Raid of 1895. Despite facing arrest and a death sentence, he escaped Africa and returned to the U.S., where he became a prominent figure in diplomatic circles. He continued to develop mines in Mexico and California and found success in the oil industry in 1923.

John Milne was a British geologist and mining engineer renowned for his advancements in horizontal seismographs. His development of precise instruments for measuring earthquakes significantly contributed to the field of seismology. Milne's expertise in geology and engineering enhanced the comprehension of seismic activity and its effects on the Earth's surface. His pioneering work with seismographs established the basis for contemporary earthquake monitoring systems, transforming the study and understanding of earthquakes globally.

John Blenkinsop was an English mining engineer credited with inventing steam locomotives. He designed the first practical railway locomotive and served as an agent to Charles John Brandling, overseeing collieries on the Middleton estate near Leeds. Blenkinsop focused on developing innovative steam locomotives for mining operations while living at Middleton Hall. His contributions to railway technology significantly influenced the transportation industry.

Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou is a Nigerien chemist, chemical engineer, and mining specialist. She was one of the first Nigerien women to pursue a career in the sciences. Her professional journey includes heading the mineralogy division of SOMAIR, the national mining company of Niger. A graduate of the École nationale supérieure de géologie in France and the University of Niamey, she has been actively involved in healthcare advocacy in Niger, partnering with organizations like the Merck Foundation to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in oncology, diabetes, and fertility.

Eduard von Feuchtersleben was a mining engineer in salt production in Aussee. He started his professional career as a mining engineer and writer, contributing small plays, essays, and poetry since 1817. He developed a strong interest in romantic poetry and encouraged others to explore this genre. Throughout his career, he maintained close relationships with prominent literary figures, such as Franz Grillparzer and Nikolaus Lenau. Despite his significant contributions to literature, his works were not compiled into a complete edition during his lifetime.

Lieutenant-Colonel George Reginald Starr, known by his code name Hilaire, was a British mining engineer who played a crucial role in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. He led the Wheelwright network in France, organizing successful sabotage operations, rescuing important resistance leaders and allied airmen, and contributing significantly to the liberation of southwestern France from German occupation. Starr was highly respected within the SOE and was considered one of the top agents in France. However, his wartime achievements were marred by controversies, including allegations of permitting torture.

Henry Gannett, recognized as the "father of mapmaking in America," was a prominent American geographer who served as the chief geographer for the United States Geological Survey from its inception until 1902. He was a key figure in establishing the National Geographic Society and the American Association of Geographers. Gannett also played crucial roles in several censuses, including the 10th, 11th, and 12th United States Censuses, as well as the Census of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. His significant contributions greatly influenced the fields of geography and mapmaking in the United States.

Herman Frasch was a distinguished figure in the fields of chemistry, mining engineering, and invention, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the petroleum and sulfur industries. He is best remembered for developing the Frasch process, a pioneering technique for extracting sulfur from underground sources, which revolutionized the sulfur industry. Through his innovative methods and interdisciplinary expertise in chemistry and engineering, Frasch made significant advancements in the extraction and refinement of sulfur and petroleum, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in industrial applications of these resources.

Khajidsurengiin Bolormaa is a prominent Mongolian mineralogical engineer who is dedicated to advocating for healthcare and children's rights. She is the founder of the Bolor Foundation, which aims to provide care for orphans in Mongolia. Bolormaa previously worked as a mineralogical engineer at the Central Geological Laboratory of Mongolia and later established her own research laboratory, Ankh-Erdene, specializing in mineralogy and the country's mining industry. She has significantly contributed to improving cancer treatment services in Mongolia through her work with the Hope Cancer-free Mongolia National Foundation and her efforts to promote collaboration among Asian First Ladies in the fight against cancer.

Daniel C. Jackling, an American mining and metallurgical engineer, was renowned for his groundbreaking efforts in exploiting low-grade porphyry copper ores. His innovative techniques at the Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah significantly impacted the mining industry. Jackling's expertise and leadership were instrumental in transforming the extraction of copper, enabling the economical mining of low-grade ore deposits. His legacy comprises advancements in mining engineering and the establishment of high standards for resource utilization efficiency.

Truman Heminway Aldrich had a diverse professional background, including experience in civil engineering, mining company management, and paleontology. He briefly served in politics as a member of the United States House of Representatives and as Postmaster of Birmingham. Notably, he was the only Republican to represent Alabama's 9th congressional district. His wide-ranging experiences and contributions across different fields demonstrated his versatility and ambition.

William Bowie was a leading American geodetic engineer recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to geodesy. As the inaugural director of the Coast and Geodetic Survey's Division of Geodesy, he played a pivotal role in advancing the field. Bowie is renowned for his innovations in geodetic instruments and methodologies, which transformed the way Earth's shape and gravitational field are measured. His work established the basis for contemporary geodetic surveys and significantly enhanced our comprehension of the Earth's geophysical characteristics.

Antonia Navarro Huezo, a topographic engineer and educator from El Salvador, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman in Central America to earn a PhD from the University of El Salvador in 1889. Overcoming health challenges, she displayed remarkable determination and academic excellence. Her influential thesis, "The Moon of the Harvests," challenged prevailing beliefs and gained international acclaim. Although she was not permitted to teach at the university, she became a dedicated educator for young women in San Salvador. Huezo's legacy as a feminist pioneer and inspirational figure in El Salvador lives on, celebrated with a mural at the University of El Salvador.