Profiles in Mining: David “Zoom” Szumigala
Mapping the greatland
SPECIAL TO THE ALASKA MINER Tell us about your work and role in Alaska mining.
I am a minerals geologist, and my career has been focused on exploring for metals such as gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. I have had a wonderful career in Alaska for the past 40 years while exploring and mapping across this great State. I am currently a minerals geologist with the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, and I am spending the summer conducting geological mapping in eastern Alaska as part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. Who was your mentor in this industry and what did they teach you that remains true today? I have had numerous mentors throughout my career. These individuals have taught me so much. The sum aggre - gate of their teachings is who I am today. I’ve learned from some great professors in university classes. Rainer Newber - ry stands out as an incredible teacher and a mentor to me and so many Alaskan geologists. I have worked with Rainer throughout much of my Alaskan career and I am so happy to work with him now at DGGS. I’ve been privileged to have worked for and with many wonderful geologists and other professionals throughout my career. I hesitate to name them because I will miss some - one. Brian Jones with Bear Creek Mining Company (Kennecott Exploration). John Galey and Bob Morrell with AMAX Gold Exploration Inc. Rich Moses and Stan Dodd with Placer Dome Exploration Inc. I’ve also had incredible mentors from past and current members of AMA. There are so many AMA members whom I have interacted with and gained tidbits of knowledge. My interactions with AMA members as convention committee members have been especially fruitful. So much of what I have learned still remains true. Those lessons from my parents and grade schoolteachers are some of the foundations of my being and they apply to professional and social situations. Treat others like you wish to be treated. Honesty is the best policy. Good manners go a long way. You don’t always get what you want. If you want to succeed, then you must work hard to achieve your goal(s). Haven’t we all seen examples in the mining industry where these lessons were followed and projects succeeded, as well as projects that didn’t follow one or more of these basic lessons and difficulties followed? What lessons have you learned that you’d like to share with new miners? This lesson is said by so many knowledgeable people, but it bears repeating — “Pick a career doing something you love.” I can’t think of anything else that I would rather be doing than mineral exploration. I won’t say that I don’t grumble as I try to hike through a burned over ridge filled with fall - en trees, rose bushes, and pencil thick birch trees spaced six inches apart from each other during an all-day downpouring rainstorm, but getting back to camp safely afterwards usual - ly is just compensation. When I look back on my career, the
pleasant memories far outweigh the unpleasant ones. Please remember to work safely. Taking a shortcut to save some time is not worth it. Everyone in the mining industry must always remember that we are all ambassadors for the mining industry. The public will see us as the face of mining. And it takes many good deeds to erase or ease the results of one bad deed. What was one experience you will never forget? Wow. My mind is filled with experiences. Riding to work in a helicopter. I mean really — is there a better way to commute? Watching a bear charging at me at full speed and having to make instant life or death decisions. The thrill of finding mineralization and making a Photos Courtesy David Szumigala "Zoom" Szumigala has been a geologist in Alaska for 40 years and still most loves the time exploring remote Alaska.
24
The Alaska Miner
Summer 2022
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs