Peter Brinton has been a reclamation specialist for the minerals program for seven years. His primary responsibilities include reviewing mine permit documents and providing guidance for mine permitting, inspecting mining operations to evaluate reclamation and compliance, and taking enforcement actions as needed.
Peter frequently works with smaller mine operators educating them on best mining and reclamation practices and helping facilitate permitting. He reviews large mine and reclamation plans for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, hydrology, and engineering components. He is also currently helping to develop a GIS-based interactive minerals program map identifying all mine locations and their status.
Prior to mining, Peter helps protect public safety and natural resources through the permitting process and by educating mine operators. At the end of a mine’s life, the program certifies that reclamation meets the state mineral mine reclamation rules for public safety and resource protection/mitigation.
According to Peter, ensuring responsible resource development is achieved by education and helping operators, particularly small mine operators, navigate the permitting process. Responsible development involves trying to implement the mine permitting requirements in a balanced way and facilitating the timelines of operators when possible.
Peter says the best part of his job is the ongoing learning opportunities and field work, including mine reclamation oversight.
Peter received a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Utah and a Master of Science in Hydrology from the Colorado School of Mines.