The mining industry in Nevada is one that relies on a broad range of talents possessed by a wide variety of individuals, but their efforts are not all within the mine itself. In fact, much of the work that goes into unearthing the valuable resources we use every day takes place before any actual mineral extraction can begin. One crucial step in the process is locating and mapping these precious minerals far beneath the earth’s surface in the first place.
In this edition of our ‘Meet Your Miners’ series, we learn yet another side of mining from Lynette Kleinsasser, senior resource geologist for Barrick Gold Corporation.
As senior resource geologist, Kleinsasser spends most of her days around the computer. But the importance of what she does at that computer cannot be understated. Kleinsasser spends her days at the Cortez Gold Mine making computer models of below-ground ore deposits.
“Basically, it’s my job to figure out how much gold is in the ground and then we give our models to the mining engineers, and they figure out how much we can mine economically.”
Mine operations throughout history are commonly known for being the foundations of entire towns. But thanks to the use of incredible technology that continues to allow the mining industry to progress, these towns are not being built on a hunch. Kleinsasser plays an integral role in the decision making that helps to ensure economic responsibility and sustainability within mine operations.
Now an avid outdoorswoman and soon-to-be-first-time homeowner, Kleinsasser didn’t always have a vision of going down this career path, however. She received her Bachelors of Science in Geology and Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but it was while earning her Masters of Science in Geoscience from the University of Arizona that she was introduced to the mining industry.
“Although I was studying a different branch of geology, I had friends studying economic geology and planned on going into [mining],” said Kleinsasser. “I tagged along on a few field trips and short courses and realized that studying ore deposits is both interesting and offers a solid career path.”
Kleinsasser clearly plays a very important role in the decision making process at the Cortez Gold Mine. And while she may use some incredible technology to see far beneath the surface of the earth, it’s what she is able to do above ground that makes the job as enjoyable to her as anything.
“The qualities I try to bring to my job every day include thoroughness, honesty, inquisitiveness and a drive to make things better. I have the freedom to investigate on my own if I spot an opportunity to improve how we do things. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have and appreciate working for a company that is willing to develop its employees.”