University of Alaska Fairbanks Enhances Training with Generous Donation

Northern Star has extended a helping hand to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) by donating an NSMS underground loader, enabling students to receive hands-on training with the very equipment they are likely to encounter in their future careers.

The Sandvik loader, valued at $85,000, completed its 130-mile journey from Pogo Mine to UAF’s headquarters in Fairbanks in mid-April. With more than a dozen students accompanying the 52-ton loader as it made its way through the parking lot to the program’s garage, the excitement and anticipation were palpable.

Ray Ludwig, advisor, and assistant professor for the diesel and heavy equipment program, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition. He emphasized how this loader perfectly complements the entry-level course, introducing students to the truck and heavy mechanics industry. Students enrolled in the diesel/heavy equipment program receive comprehensive training in various areas, including diesel engines, electrical and air systems, engine electronics, hydraulics, transmissions, undercarriages, steering, and final drives.

Presently, three participants in the program are apprentices at Pogo Mine. This collaborative arrangement with the mine allows students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge practically, providing valuable insights from real-world experiences.

By donating equipment actively used in the field, Pogo Mine fosters learning within the local community and raises awareness of the mining industry, playing a vital role as one of Alaska’s key economic drivers. This generous contribution from Northern Star – Pogo Mine opens doors for aspiring professionals and strengthens the ties between the academic world and the mining sector.