Transforming Research: Save the Planet...Be a Miner!

(Photo: Claudio Calligaris)

“Mining is an industry of new frontiers,” says Ryan Cunningham, BEng’06, who is doing his part to explore a new frontier indeed: reducing the amount of energy consumed to supply the world’s metal needs.

“Reducing the energy needed to extract a unit of metal makes a massive global difference. My mantra is ‘save the planet, be a miner!’”

Now completing his master’s in the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, Cunningham has little patience for those who perceive the mining industry as “destroyers of the world.” He explains: “The world needs metals. Remember that riding a bike to work would be awfully difficult without the metals that go into that bike.”

Cunningham is a recipient of a Hydro-Québec scholarship, which reflects the company’s commitment to supporting research that promotes a sustainable future.

“Receiving the scholarship has given me the freedom to focus on my research,” says Cunningham, who also credits his supervisor, Professor James Finch, for “encouraging me to become a broad-minded researcher with aspirations to making a difference.” Cunningham looks forward to continuing his work next year in a collaborative PhD program with McGill and Imperial College of London.

“This field is where I can make a significant improvement to the world, so this is my passion and where my future lies.”