The Great Debate Professional Bragging Competition and Fundraiser

The Great Debate took place over the first ten months of 2020. It was conceived as a good-natured, fun avenue for discussion and bragging about the mining profession, while generating donations to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Game (or Serious Discussion)

Teams (sectors) of the mining industry’s leading braggarts were enlisted to brag, roast, cajole and otherwise humorously make a case for their supreme importance to civilization. Teams included the following:

• Geoscientists (geologists, geochemists, geophysics, land)
  
• Miners (engineers, equipment operators, blasters, etc.)
  
• Metallurgists and Processing People
  
• Emerging Leaders (under 40)
  
• Women Mining Professionals
  
• Environmental/Safety/Governance
  

From January through October 2020, one sector's position statement was published monthly in SME's Mining Engineering Journal.

The Finale

On October 30th, The Great Debate concluded with a virtual "Happy Hour" in which the team leaders congregated on a virtual platform to present their final and best arguments. Votes and donations were tabulated to determine that the METALLURGISTS provided the most important work and benefits to society as a whole. They won bragging rights, all sector leaders were awarded an artistic caricature to hang on their portrait wall.

All was in good fun, and the evening ended with good humor and camaraderie.

Scroll down for a look at the final scoreboard. If you would like to watch the full version or clips of the videos from the Finale on October 30th, please choose from below:

DBS Geoscientists
‍https://youtu.be/ud8Vjg_GlGs
DBS Thanks Supporters
‍https://youtu.be/_Kp21CtK-ZE
Highlight Video
‍https://youtu.be/4wcQhyWWEv8
Marc LeVier Metallurgists
‍https://youtu.be/yAkWRhPJfV8
Ruby Barickman for Emerging Leaders
‍https://youtu.be/MZJNRNHx5u0
‍Tim Arnold for Miners
‍https://youtu.be/dR1wQ6i8gW8
William Lipps for Environmental/Safety
‍https://youtu.be/jEbJmjhNN5Y
‍Ann Carpenter & Kelly Ward Women
‍https://youtu.be/u_mx4vjm9lg
‍

Full Feature Video of The Great Debate Finale
https://youtu.be/awxEKkPYsuk

You Can Still Donate!

While the final tabulations have been made, the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum can still use your help. Donations to support The Great Debate are still welcome, and appreciated, through the end of the year. (Please note that voting will no longer be scored.)


DONATE ONLINE
‍
If you prefer, you may call or mail in your donation.

• Donate by Phone: Call 719-486-1229 to pay with a credit card by phone. Please include the information below.
  
• Donate by Check: Please make checks payable to NMHFM and on the memo line print "The Great Debate."
  Mail to:  
  National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
  PO Box 981
  Leadville, CO 80461