Speaker: John Hoffert, Retired Consultant
Briefly describe the work you do and the goals you have accomplished that led to you achieving this award.
John Hoffert: I started in the 70s in the mining industry as a technician. In those days, you didn't actually become a technician right away. You usually got training in crushing, grinding and flotation before you even went into the lab. I spent five years doing that, then made the decision I should go back and get my engineering degree. It was the best decision I ever made.
What does it mean to be recognized for the work you have done?
John Hoffert: It's a real honor to be recognized for my career in the mining industry. I enjoyed my work, I enjoy the people I worked with and I thought that we accomplished a lot together.
How do you hope to see the industry build upon your work?
John Hoffert: I started my career in operations and later stepped into a career of process design. The fundamentals that we used during operations were later used to make the circuits more efficient that we design.
What words of encouragement would you give to those earlier in their careers, also looking to improve best practices in their field?
John Hoffert: For new process engineers going into the mining industry, I would say don't lose sight of tolerance, ethics and curiosity. Those are the keywords to improving your career and I hope for the best in all of you.
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