Kristen Mariuzza

Kristen started her mining career as a college student working at an open pit iron ore operation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,
first as an environmental intern and then driving 190-ton production trucks at the age of 21.  After earning her Environmental Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University, she worked as an environmental consultant prior to accepting a position with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).  While at the MDEQ she developed a passion for leadership in her field that has helped reshape Michigan’s mining industry.  Kristen spent nearly a decade working closely with communities to ensure continued protection of the Upper Peninsula’s water resources.  During that time, she became MDEQ’s Water Division mining specialist and held an integral role on the Michigan stakeholder advisory board that crafted new mining legislation, Part 632.  Following her role at MDEQ, Kristen moved to the private sector as the HSE & Permitting Manager for Eagle Mine. She was responsible for all health, safety, environmental permitting and compliance activities that occurred during final permitting, construction, start-up and operation of one of the first underground mines to be built in the United States for decades. The operation today is the only primary nickel mine in the US and is considered a model for modern mining.  Kristen now serves as the General Manager of Eagle Mine and is responsible for daily oversight of Eagle’s 24/7 mining operation with 450 contractors and employees.   In this position, she will continue with her passion for safety, water resources protection and encouraging the leadership in others.  As an influential leader in the mining industry Kristen served on committees with the Mining Association of Canada and the Nickel Institute, and presented papers at national and international conferences. She also participated in a Michigan State University Natural Resources Leadership Academy, Operational Leadership Academy led by Duke University, Stakeholder Engagement Academy led by Georgetown University and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Michigan.