Virginia Tech Mining and Minerals Engineering

Congratulations to Dr. Nino Ripepi and Dr. Ryan Pollyea on their recent Virginia Department of Energy funding award for the project, Site Selection and Assessment to Evaluate Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Opportunities in Southwest Virginia.

In partnership with Marshall Miller & Associates, the Virginia Tech team will compile geologic information, mapping resources, and regional industry input to identify, categorize, and prioritize potential locations for carbon capture and storage (CSS) development across Southwest Virginia. The project will support evaluation of future CCS infrastructure, business development opportunities, and carbon management strategies in the region.

Learn more about Virginia Energy's carbon storage initiatives:

Virginia Energy - Renewable Energy - Sustainable Transportation The Virginia Department of Energy is launching a program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the Commonwealth by deploying projects in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The primary objective of this initiative is to bring technological advancement, industrial knowledge, and busin...

Congratulations to Dr. Aaron Noble on his induction into the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Noble was honored this week at the Academy's annual induction ceremony in Los Angeles, California, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to innovation and invention. We are proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement and the impact his work continues to have on industry, research, and the next generation of engineers!

From Blacksburg to the Arctic Circle, Hokie Mining and Minerals Engineering is well represented. Bryan Smith, alumnus and Advisory Board member, proudly flew the VT flag at 66°33′ north latitude in Alaska. Thanks, Bryan, for reminding us that Hokie pride travels well. 🌎⛏️

Mining and Minerals Engineering Associate Professor Wencai Zhang was recently recognized at the Virginia Tech College of Engineering awards breakfast for being named a Dean’s Fellow earlier this year, an honor that acknowledged his extraordinary performance in research. Dr. Zhang received his official recognition and plaque from Interim College of Engineering Dean David Knight during the ceremony, accompanied by Mining and Minerals Engineering professor and Department Head Aaron Noble.

Congratulations, Wencai, on this well-deserved honor and recognition of your contributions to research, teaching, and the mining engineering profession!

🎓⛏️ Congratulations to the Mining & Minerals Engineering Class of 2026!

After years of hard work, late nights, and no shortage of determination, these incredible graduates have earned every bit of this moment. We couldn't be more proud!
As you head out to shape the future of the mining industry know that your hokie family, and the alumni community are cheering you on every step of the way.

Congratulations to freshmen Manus Karki on earning first place in the 2026 Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize.

A mining and minerals engineering student, Karki was recognized for his poem “Visa Length,” a thoughtful reflection on identity and the experience of life in America. Read the story on VT News:
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/04/clahs-giovanni-steger-poetry-2026.html

We’re especially proud to have a poet in our ranks—proof that mining engineers don’t just work below the surface, but think deeply about the world around them!

An outstanding achievement and a great reminder of the range of talent within our community. ✍️⛏️

Student's description of life in America wins top poetry prize There were 88 poetry submissions for 10 finalist slots in the annual Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize competition. Manas Karki's first-place poem, “Visa Length,” offers a window into his experiences and those of other international students.

Last Thursday’s Carter Kickoff in the Autonomous Arena at Holden Hall was a great success!

Celebrating the partnership between Virginia Tech and Carter Machinery, the event highlighted innovation in quarrying and the many career opportunities available to Virginia Tech engineering students. It was an exciting opportunity to connect industry insight with student ambition.

While more coverage is on the way, we’re pleased to share today's VT News Doodle capturing the energy and spirit of the day.

Congratulations again to senior Gabriel Brenza and junior Mariano Alfaro Vargas who contributed to the Virginia Tech team, Diggeridoos, taking first place at this year's Not-a-Boring Competition. Read the full story at VT News!

Student team digs its way to first place in Not-a-Boring Competition After years of persistence, the Diggeridoos claimed victory by building a tunnel-boring machine that outperformed competitors from around the world.

You can tell when the semester is winding down when final presentations are underway!

It’s been a full week for our mining engineering students. Seniors presented their Mine Design projects in Dr. Erik Westman’s Mining Capstone course, the culmination of a year spent designing a mine and developing an SEC S-K 1300 feasibility report.

Meanwhile, students in Dr. Noble’s Leadership for Responsible Mining course have been practicing the art of persuasion while tackling complex, real-world mining issues through a series of Oxford-style debates.

A great way to close out the semester—showcasing both technical skills and big-picture thinking! ⛏️📊🧠

Students! Don't forget to join us today for the Carter Kickoff at the Holden Hall Autonomous Arena! 12-2 p.m. Food! Swag! The Quarry Industry wants your skills!