Robert Hall, Ph.D., P.E., is the
new head of the Department
of Mining Engineering and Management (MEM)
at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.
Hall completed his undergraduate
degree in mechanical engineering at the University of New Brunswick, Canada,
and followed up with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Queen’s
University in Ontario, Canada. He went on to finish his Ph.D. in mining
engineering at Queen’s University in 2000. Hall most recently served as a professor
in the School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Alberta,
Canada. Prior to that he spent 15 years at the University of British Columbia.
“I applied for the position at
South Dakota Mines as it is a great opportunity to be part of a school and
department that has strong industry, community and government support,” says
Hall. “The MEM faculty and staff are well regarded by industry and academia and
there is a genuine desire for the department to continue its long history of
success.”
MEM at South Dakota Mines is a
close-knit department with strong ties to local, national and international
mining companies, equipment manufacturers and mining schools. “Mining students
generally have better job opportunities and higher starting salaries than many
other engineering disciplines,” Hall adds. “Students who join MEM at South
Dakota Mines are not only getting a degree, they are joining a community of
people who believe in working hard and supporting each other.”
Hall brings experience from two
large universities and various consulting activities to the department. His
areas of research include mining equipment design, automation, equipment
maintenance and reliability, comminution and energy reduction. His skillset
will help MEM continue to meet the engineering needs of South Dakota and the
United States by attracting the best and brightest students and faculty.
“There is a need to create
graduates that have the capacity to understand and utilize the emerging
technologies in the mining industry,” says Hall. “My multidisciplinary
experience in my own education, research, consulting and my involvement with
the integrated engineering program at the University of British Columbia will
allow me to work with stakeholders to create graduates that meet these needs.”
Hall says this is an exciting time
to be involved in the mining industry as cutting-edge technologies are advancing
the economic and sustainable recovery of the earth’s resources. “Mining
engineers contribute to society by sustainability, providing the materials that
make up many of the items we all need in everyday life,” he says. “Mining
engineers also get to play with some of the largest and most technologically
advanced equipment in the world. including self-driving trucks that are three
building stories high, advanced chemical and electrical control processes and
satellite technology to aid mine reclamation. The breadth of opportunities to
learn and grow during your career are endless."
When Hall is not working on campus,
he spends time with his two dogs who are, “spoiled rotten.” He also has a
commercial pilot’s license and enjoys flying on wheels, floats and skis
depending on the time of year. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and many other
outdoor activities.