Sam’s Story
Our first employee in our new spotlight series is Sam Hunt, a geologist who’s worked at NewRange for nearly 18 months.
Growing up in Aurora, Sam has a deep connection to the Iron Range. And with a family history rooted in mining, it seemed natural to gravitate toward the field. However, his older sister is the one who can be credited for kicking off the chain of events that put Sam on the career path he is on today because she refused to let Sam play with her rock collection unless he could correctly tell her their color.
Initially pursuing engineering, he found it wasn’t the right fit and made the jump to environmental geoscience at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he developed a love for working outdoors and abstract science. His career journey has been varied, including warehouse jobs, research projects in structural geology, and contract geologist positions across the U.S, before landing at NewRange.
Based in the Babbitt office, much of his work revolves around drill core analysis — logging mineralization, evaluating structural integrity, and collaborating with teams on various projects. Fieldwork is also a major component, from monitoring road construction to ensuring drill site safety and planning routes. That’s one of the main perks of the job for Sam, who loves spending time outdoors.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of the job is the sense of ownership and responsibility. “It’s hard to put into words, but the ownership you feel, within the company, in your role, and in what you do day in and day out, especially when it comes to safety. Working in this industry, you take your own safety and other safety as a top priority, and that’s carried into everything that I do.”
As for NewRange’s work atmosphere, Sam appreciates that it’s open, communicative, and collaborative, and that everyone genuinely wants to be there, saying “it’s a hard thing to find, but everyone is here for a reason, and it shows. I know I can walk down the hall and jump into any room and talk to a coworker.”
Sam believes that global expertise is what sets NewRange apart, saying “The fact that we have these two global partners supporting us as a company, the amount of knowledge, expertise, and resources that we can dip into is phenomenal. The fact that I can message someone in British Columbia or Australia to just ask them a question – not a lot of people have that privilege of communication, and the network of our company is pretty incredible. The knowledge, the people, the expertise, sets us apart.”
Sam also takes pride in being part of a project that supports economic stability and community growth while ensuring environmental responsibility. “I try to throw myself at whatever I can, especially being from the area. I’ve gone back to my high school’s career fair or participated in fifth-grade earth science classes. That is probably one of my greatest, like prides or joys of working here, the fact that I can walk into that, specifically Mesabi East, and kind of be something for the kids to say, ‘hey, I literally sat in your seats. I was doing what you’re doing, and now look at what I’m doing.’”
Growing up in the area, Sam is excited that NewRange can not only help the U.S, with domestic supply, but also provide economic benefits to the area and reenergize the Iron Range.
Quick Questions
What do you wish more people knew about mining?
The diversity of opportunities available. A lot of people, including my younger self, see mining as haul trucks and shovels, but it’s much more. Mining, particularly during production, involves a variety of skill sets and professions – mobile equipment operators, haul truck drivers, shovel runners, laborers, mine planners and engineers, foremen, electricians, mechanics, administrators, and the families. Many also do not realize the amount of planning and foresight that goes into the operations and reclamation.
What drew you to work for NewRange specifically?
Growing up, I’ve seen the interdependence between mining and the Range firsthand. The industry’s ups and downs have affected my friends and family. Prior to the iron mine closures in the 70’s and 80’s, the Iron Range was a major economic hub with some of the best public schools and athletic facilities in the state. So, in addition to the benefits that NewRange could bring to the country by supplying minerals for clean energy technologies, the company would bring in tax dollars to the county and more people to our towns. I’m excited to see more families moving into town, more kids in the schools, and more people in the stores and restaurants. I’m very happy to be part of the team kicking in the door to make that happen.
What aspect of your work at NewRange are you most proud of?
Educating locals about the project. Whether it’s going back to Mesabi East or just meeting people in town, I enjoy getting to talk to folks about the project.
What are your favorite parts about living on the Iron Range?
The good neighbor attitude here. The fact that you ask anyone on the street, and they’ll take the shirt off their back for you, and that people will be there for you. I also love the small community aspect, like the fact that I’m still leaning on people that I’ve known for years here and that they still support me. You don’t find that in many places, so just that camaraderie aspect of rural living for sure.
When you’re not working, where can someone find you?
I can be found outdoors. Whether it’s skiing at Giants Ridge, hiking, or rock climbing. I also love playing music and attending concerts on the weekends.