Montana Technological University’s Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC), located in Butte, recently received a substantial donation in the form of a Scooptram ST2D underground loader. Tailored for narrow-vein operations, with a capacity of 3.6 metric tons, the ST2D represents a cutting-edge addition to the UMEC’s training equipment. Epiroc believes the state-of-the-art loader promises to elevate students’ hands-on learning experiences in underground mining.
Associate Professor Scott Rosenthal and Adjunct Professor Sonya Rosenthal spearheaded the initiative to procure the ST2D for the UMEC. Assistant Professor Chris Roos, also instrumental in identifying this opportunity, recognized the transformative potential of integrating the ST2D into the UMEC’s curriculum during his attendance at Yellowstone Dig It Days.
“We saw the opportunity to provide a tangible benefit for the students,” Scott Rosenthal said. “The introduction of the ST2D allows students to gain practical skills on industry-standard equipment, preparing them for successful careers in mining engineering, and we have received a great response and profound gratitude from our mining engineering students.”
Equipped with advanced safety features such as seatbelts and tramming alarms, the ST2D prioritizes operator well-being and operational efficiency. The Rosenthals, along with Epiroc, envision the machine becoming an integral part of the UMEC’s educational framework.
Jonathan Torpy, president and general manager of Epiroc USA and a Montana Tech alumnus, emphasized the significance of modern equipment in shaping students’ preparedness for the mining industry. “Epiroc USA is proud to have been a part of this extremely generous gift facilitated by Scott and Sonya. Having a modern piece of equipment operating at the Montana Tech UMEC helps the students learn and practice on modern machinery, and it is an important part of preparing a highly qualified workforce for the mining industry, for years to come,” Torpy said.
The Montana Tech mining engineering program provides students with an internationally esteemed education, access to advanced labs and participation in leading research. The UMEC, situated at the former Orphan Boy mine west of campus, is the nation’s only on-campus underground mining facility.
