Northern Minnesota - home to a diverse community and environment that includes Indigenous Nations, a thriving tourist industry, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and a wealth of critical metals needed to shift to more sustainable energy sources - is the focus of this NEXUS Experience. Currently, there is intense debate around the establishment of mines in northern Minnesota that can provide metals necessary for the manufacturing of technology, specifically the metals needed to sustain green energy initiatives. The goal of this experience is to learn about the balance among our needs for cleaner energy, the mineral resources needed to shift to cleaner energy initiatives and the impacts of mining on the environment and cultures of the region.
We will be based for five days in mid-August (15 - 19) at the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center, a facility owned and operated by the UMN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Science. During our time up north we will explore the local geology and mineral resources, tour old and current iron mines, and learn about the diverse communities and cultures of the region. No background in Earth sciences or mining and mineral resources is required.
This NEXUS Experience is free for all students - transportation, lodging, and food will be provided during the duration of the trip with no cost to students. Students may consider bringing a small amount of spending money if they'd like to purchase any additional snacks or souvenirs from their trip up north, but it is not necessary to participate.