Montana Technological University’s Mining Team is gearing up for a historic journey to the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines, where they will compete in the 47th International Collegiate Mining Competition. This event, set to unfold at the King Edward Mine Museum in Camborne, England from March 19-22, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Montana Tech, as they are the only institution to have participated in every single competition since its inception. This year, Montana Tech is sending a formidable contingent: five teams in total—two men’s, two women’s, and a co-ed team, comprising 30 competitors evenly split between men and women. This is a notable achievement, as it is the first time in recent years that the university has been able to field two women’s teams.
Marshall Cornwall, the Mining Team President, expressed optimism about the team’s readiness. “Our teams did great last year, but I think we are more ready, more prepared for events this year.” The competition is a rigorous test of traditional mining skills, featuring seven events: survey, gold pan, swede saw, track stand, mucking, hand steel, and jackleg drilling. Each event is a race against the clock, with penalties deducted for errors, and the team with the lowest points emerging victorious. This year, the stakes are higher, and the competition is fiercer.
Logan Ruegsegger, a civil engineering sophomore from Great Falls, is competing for her second year. Last year, she was part of a small team of female students in the women’s division. Ruegsegger’s experience has been transformative. “Last year, I didn’t know any of the techniques,” she admitted. “I was just muscling everything, and it wasn’t very effective for any of us. This year, we’ve seen significant growth. We’ll be much more competitive this year.” The team has reached out to past successful Montana Tech Mining Team alumni to better understand the competition and recruit more female members. Ruegsegger’s enthusiasm is palpable, and her growth reflects the team’s collective improvement.
The camaraderie within the team is evident. Cornwall described the team as a family, practicing together six days a week. Gavin Crocker, a mining engineering freshman from California, joined the team in the fall and found the experience exhilarating. “I had never done any of it, nor did I know how to do any of it,” Crocker said. “I thought it was really fun. It’s a rush.” For Crocker and some other team members, this will be their first international trip. “I’m looking forward to exploring and see the different culture that they have over there,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing the difference in culture from where I lived in California to Butte, and I’m looking forward to experiencing England.”
Madelynn Hasz, a mining engineering freshman from Athol, Idaho, is also competing for the first time. She initially signed up for a test run competition in Philipsburg in the fall, intending to participate only in gold panning. However, she discovered a passion for most of the events, with hand steel being her favorite. Hasz’s dedication to improving her skills is evident. “I have so much more stamina,” she said. “I really like competing and I am so excited to compete in England.” Her journey from a 13-minute swede saw time to a two-minute time is a testament to her hard work and the team’s supportive environment.
This competition is more than just a test of skills; it is a platform for cultural exchange and personal growth. The team’s journey to England will not only showcase their mining prowess but also their adaptability and resilience. As they prepare to compete on an international stage, the Montana Tech Mining Team is poised to make a significant impact. Their participation in this event could inspire other institutions to invest more in mining education and competitions, fostering a new generation of skilled miners. The team’s diverse background and shared passion for mining will undoubtedly shape the future of the sector, driving innovation and excellence.