By Megan Ransom, President
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Student Chapter of the Society of Economic Geologists
September 9, 2005
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s student chapter of the Society of Economic Geologists had a very productive 2004-2005 year. Elected officers were Megan Ransom (President), Michelle Gloe (Vice President), Ashli Maddox (Secretary) and Brett Henderson (Treasurer). Along with the chapter’s 26 members, they worked hard on fundraising efforts with the Darton Geological Society, organized field trips and Friday seminar lectures, and participated in many campus activities, which gave each member in the chapter a well-rounded experience.
The chapter sponsored two local field trips: one was to the Pacer Corporation mica mine in Custer, South Dakota and one to Power Resources uranium processing facility in Douglas, Wyoming. The student chapter’s advisor Dr. Colin Paterson organized an international field trip to Southern Spain during spring break, with many chapter members participating. A couple of stops on the trip were to the Rio Tinto base metal district and the Almaden mercury mining district.
The chapter worked very hard throughout the year on fundraising efforts. Some of the projects used to raise money included the Darton Geological Society mineral/ore raffles, a campus raffle of a Black Hills geologic map, and the sale of Homestake suites. Other activities included participation in Tour Tech weekend, organization of the Friday seminar series, participation in the outreach program for local elementary schools, and gold panning trips with the Black Hills Prospecting Club.
Our gratitude is expressed to the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Dr. Colin Paterson and our parent organization for their continuing support.