Mining is critical for gathering fossil fuels such as coal.
Mining is the process of extracting minerals from the underground environment. It can be a dangerous profession, but is critical in gathering fossil fuels such as coal, which is used to produce energy. Mining engineering degrees consist of learning everything from mine design to health and safety preparation for miners. Several companies, colleges and organizations offer scholarships in this field.
Alpha Natural Resources
Alpha Natural Resources has mines throughout the United States.
Alpha Natural Resources claims to be America's No. 1 coal supplier. The company has plants and mines throughout the United States in places like West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Kentucky. Alpha Natural Resources supports continuing education of mining engineering programs by offering scholarships to students who attend or plan to attend West Virginia University, Southwest Virginia Community College, University of Virginia at Wise, University of Kentucky and Virginia Technical Institute. Since 2005, Alpha Natural Resources has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship money to these schools to distribute to qualifying students.
Alpha Natural Resources
One Alpha Place, P.O. Box 2345
Abingdon, VA 24212
276-619-4410
alphanr.com
Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
The group is, in part, dedicated to advancing mining careers.
The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration is a group dedicated to networking, expanding professional development and discovering new technologies in the mineral industries. The organization is divided into seven sections, one of those sections being coal and mining. The goal of this section is, in part, to promote coal as a major source of energy and encourage students to pursue mining careers. Every year, the group awards up to 25 scholarships to students that show academic excellence in the field. Students must be members of the organization.
Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
8307 Shaffer Pkwy.
Littleton, Colorado 80127-4102
1-800-763-3132
smenet.org
West Virginia University
West Virginia is known for it's mining heritage.
Coal was first discovered in the United States in West Virginia back in 1742. Since then, the mining industry has become a critical part of the state's economy. The coal industry provides nearly 30,000 jobs each year in West Virginia.
West Virginia University offers the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources with degrees in mining engineering. More than 37 scholarships in mining engineering are listed on the college's website. Many of these scholarships are offered directly through the university. Others are in conjunction with companies or organizations.
West Virginia University Mining Engineering Program
365 Mineral Resources Building
P.O. Box 6070
Morgantown, WV 26506-6070
304-293-7680
wvu.com
Tags: West Virginia, Alpha Natural, Alpha Natural Resources, Natural Resources, Virginia University
