Mine Design, Operations and Closure Conference

Mark your calendars! The 33rd annual conference is scheduled for May 12-15, 2025

Please contact Susie Anderson at 406-496-4311 or suanderson@mtech.edu with questions.

Mike Burnside, USDA Forest Service (retired) delivers a special talk in memory of Ray TeSoro, a long-time conference support who recent passed away. The 31st annual conference was dedicated to Ray’s memory.

The Mine Design, Operations & Closure Conference is back for its 33rd year! Known for its strong educational component and networking opportunities, this conference is one you won't want to miss. The event will once again offer the latest in mining-related technologies and methods, delivered by a host of industry professionals. Make plans to attend!

Register Here

Call for Abstracts

If you are interested in submitting an abstract for consideration, please submit to Susie Anderson at suanderson@mtech.edu no later than January 15, 2025 . Please include a complete title of your talk along with the category of your presentation (e.g., reclamation, closure, water, permitting, development, research, etc.). Please limit your abstract to no more than one page. Click here for a formatting example.

Tad Dale (center) of Majesty Mining poses for a picture with his family immediately following his presentation on the “Legend of Bear Gulch.”

Location

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort will serve as the host facility for this event. Bring your family along—there is plenty to do!

Swimming

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is known for its two oversized Olympic Swimming Pools and two Mineral Soaking Pools. One of each located indoors and outdoors. The pools are fed by a virtually unlimited supply of 155-degree natural hot spring water, cooled to various temperatures for comfort and maximum enjoyment.   If swimming and soaking is not your thing, try the excitement of the 350-foot enclosed water slide. The slide offers an exhilarating ride into Fairmont’s outdoor pool.  During the Summer season, you can enjoy any of your favorite tropical drinks at the outdoor “pool” bar.  The “pool” bar has all of your favorite drinks as well as an assortment of non-alcohol drinks.

Fitness

Adjacent to the indoor hot spring pools is a newly remodeled Fitness Center.  It’s fully equipped and complimentary to resort guests.  The Fitness Center includes state-of-the-art cardiovascular systems.

Golf

Fairmont’s Golf Course features an outstanding 6,741 yard, 18-Hole, par 72 layouts. Fairmont’s “mile high, mile-long” 5th Hole is recognized as one of the most challenging among Montana golf courses. The green is a mile high and the Tee Box is 649 yards away, making this par 5 one of the longest holes in Montana. Fairmont’s 3rd hole features Montana’s largest green, a three-tiered 10,000 square foot putting surface.  Five ponds add to the diversity of the 150-acre course, with a dramatic fountain pond on the finishing hole. A full-service Golf Shop with snack bar, beer, and wine service completes the course facilities. Cart and equipment rental are available.

Spa Treatment

Whispering Willows Spa offers quality massage, bodywork and spa services by certified massage therapists along with hair and nail treatments by experienced cosmetologists.

Extras

Fairmont also offers tennis courts that are complimentary to registered guests, a children’s playground, miniature golf course, frisbee golf “folf”, and basketball courts.

Room Rates

• $107 plus tax – single room
• $122 plus tax – double room

Reservation Information

• Call 800-332-3272 or visit www.fairmontmontana.com
• Group ID:  29149
• Room block is currently open and will close on April 11, 2025

Overflow Rooms

Comfort Inn
2777 Harrison Ave.
Butte, MT 59701-3713

Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 406-494-8850 and asking for the group name: 32nd Annual Mine Design, Operations & Closure Conference or by booking online at https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/xw58f3. The online registration link will be active until midnight of May 1, 2024. After this date the online link will no longer work, nor will the group rates be valid.

Special Rates: $98.00 per night plus taxes

Inclusive of:

• Complimentary full hot Continental Breakfast
• Complimentary WIFI & parking
• Rooms include coffeemakers, microwave, mini-fridges, & flat-screen TV
• Services & Amenities include a heated indoor pool and hot tubs, fitness center & business center
• Freshly baked cookies

Conference Fees

After remaining constant for the past 10 years, the Mine Design, Operations & Closure Conference has been forced to implement a slight price increase due to ever increasing costs.

1. $160        Monday Field Trip (full day)
2. $445        Full General Session (Tuesday – Thursday)
3. $160        Daily General Session (Wednesday or Thursday)
4. $125        Daily General Session (Thursday)
5. $250        Virtual General Session

Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund will be issued to any conference registrant who cancels up to one week prior to conference time.  Any cancellation with less than one week’s notice will result in a 50% refund.  Those who register but do not show up to the event will forfeit their entire registration fee.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

By attending the Mine Design, Operations & Closure Conference, you will be eligible for Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Each hour of class time equates to one PDH.

Need more information? Contact Susie Anderson 406-496-4311, or email suanderson@mtech.edu.

For those interested, please consider attending the WV Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium.  You can visit their website at https://wvmdtaskforce.com/links/.