The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present a public forum on Mineral Deposits, Mining, Mine Water Treatment, and Environmental Concerns from 8:30 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, March 23, in the Campus Center. This event is free and open to the public.

The forum will provide a first-of-its-kind opportunity for residents of Northern Maine and students of the University to hear from a panel of high-profile speakers who are experts in the fields concerning issues of mining metallic minerals.

“The goal of the forum, which is intended to be informational and educational, is to begin a meaningful dialogue about Maine’s metallic minerals and mining,” Dr. Chunzeng Wang, UMPI Associate Professor of Geology, Environment, and GIS, said. “Anyone with an interest in issues about mineral deposits, mining, and mine waste treatment and environmental concerns is welcome to attend.”

The event will include three experts on geology and mining issues. Dr. Robert Marvinney, State Geologist and Director of the Maine Geological Survey, will present on Maine’s Geology, Mineral Potential, and Basics of Metallic Mineral Mining. Dr. David Lentz, Professor and Economic Geology Chair, Department of Earth Sciences, University of New Brunswick, will give a talk entitled Exploration and Mining in the 21 Century: Responsible Mineral Resource Development Options & the Role of High Technology. Mr. James Cormier, Superintendent of the Department of Environment and Community Affairs, Xstrata Zinc Brunswick Mines, will deliver a presentation on Brunswick Mine: 48 + Years of Base Metal Mining.

Following each presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Wang.

The event is sponsored by the University’s Environmental Studies and Sustainability Program and co-sponsored by the Maine Geological Survey. It is open to the public and admission is free. For more information on the forum, email Dr. Wang at chunzeng.wang@maine.edu or call 207-768-9412.