Special Guest:
Erik Westman
Travis Chewning
Show Sponsor:
On this episode of Drilling Deeper, Travis Chewning, vice president of engineering and operational support at Luck Stone, and Dr. Erik Westman, professor of mining and materials engineering at Virginia Tech, join the show to discuss the “Built for the Mine” program.
In their conversation with P&Q editor-in-chief Kevin Yanik, Chewning and Westman spotlight how the “Built for the Mine” program – a collaboration between Luck Stone and Virginia Tech – is preparing the next generation of mining and aggregate professionals.
This episode explores how the program’s inaugural forum united producers, vendors, academics and students to discuss fast-evolving technologies like automation, AI, precision drilling and autonomous hauling, as well as how these advances are reshaping the industry’s future. Chewning and Westman share how workforce development, hands-on learning and modern curriculum are crucial to meeting industry needs. They also share how the forum sparked new ideas, inspired students and provided actionable insights.
The conversation highlights the importance of industry partnerships, the growing influence of aggregates in mining education and the program’s role in expanding career paths for students nationwide.
Thank you to our show sponsor, Kemper Equipment.
EastRock Solutions is now part of the Kemper Group – and together, they’re raising the bar on parts availability, equipment solutions and turnkey plant design. From the pit to the stockpile, Kemper Group has got your operation covered.
To learn more, visit kemperequipment.com or call (610)-273-2066.
