“The technology is fascinating!” Michelle Montague looks for minerals in the tall walls of a mining blast area or the dredged dirt from deep drilling. She loves being out in the field, finding the ore that’s core to the mining operation.  “It’s like opening a christmas present,” she says.   …

“It’s incredibly challenging. That’s why I love it.” Resolution Copper Electrician Wendy Stanfel maintains critical electrical systems — oxygen and vibration sensors, water pumps, and ventilation — in the deepest single mine shaft in the country. “It’s a viciously cruel environment, highly mineralized water,” she explains. “Things have to be …

“First, they are children. With all the needs of every child,” says Carolina Gamelo. “If you get that, then you can teach them.”  That’s the most important thing to know about any child, “no matter how incapacitated,” according to Carolina. She taught students with special needs for over 40 years, …

He has survived fire, plane wreckage and three tours of duty. According to his stylish wife of 28 years, he is a man who can do anything and will help anyone. He’s an awesome father to their five kids, and a great mate. “I can’t say enough about my husband,” …

“This is my favorite job ever.” Daphne Place-Hoskie, 47, supports management of BHP’s North American legacy assets (aka idle sites). She helps both the business and the host communities envision those sites as something of greater value, and then secure funds to execute the project. Habitat renewal. An industrial park.   …

In this feature, we tap into one of our region’s rich resources — retired teachers. “Once a teacher, always a teacher,” says Armida Guerena Bittner, last December, shortly after her 80th birthday,  She was holding her book club members captive through a full reading of “She Persisted,” a gift she …

Gila County is home to more than 20 historic bridges. Nine of them are listed on the  National Registry of Historic Places, the official list of U.S. buildings, sites, and objects that are worth preserving for their significance in American history.   “Many who visit from out of town and …