VOICES OF RESPEC
how do you see trends and hot topics in the energy industry affecting other markets?
Camilo Rojas Staff Geologist IV Grand Junction, CO
“Governments worldwide aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, shifting from fossil fuels to renewables like wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal. They are promoting carbon capture, sector transformation, and sustainable policies to build a resilient economy and protect the environment for future generations. Some instances of countries acting in the realm of renewable energy and environmental sustainability include India’s initiative to adopt solar power on a large scale, Colombia and the Philippines’ restrictions on oil and coal production, and the US developing it’s lithium industry in Nevada.”
Morgan Lane Project Mining Engineer Lexington, KY
“CCUS is the hot button item for the cement industry and has been for several years now. The Heidelberg Mitchell Cement Plant has been the focus of the industry since opening in 2023. It's the first of its kind in the U.S. to bring CCUS into the big leagues, setting a new standard for the industry. The focus now is all about pushing CCUS tech forward to make it more economical for large-scale operations. The goal is to show that CCUS can be both a practical and economically sound move for cement producers everywhere, helping to cut down carbon footprints in the process.”
Dylan Rowe Staff Engineer III Rapid City, SD
“In 2024, carbon sequestration initiatives emerge as a significant focal point. Numerous projects are in their early stages nationwide, presenting a prime opportunity for us to support prospective clients. Within the oil and gas sector, the management of wastewater looms as a pressing challenge demanding resolution. Moreover, the issue of zombie wells, often overlooked but undeniably pertinent, necessitates candid discussion and strategic attention."
WHAT SETS RESPEC APART AND MOTIVATES YOUR WORK?
Carolyn McCannon Mining Engineer Manager, Construction Materials Lexington, KY
"Our teams can be composed of personnel across our offices in multiple time zones in order to pull the right expertise to match the project’s needs. To have a successful team, establish clear communication expectations when kicking off a project. This ensures that we can effectively manage different tasks on a project and work together via screenshares, calls or other communication methods. Being comfortable with reaching out to coworkers also lets you learn more with every project, and make sure all the work product pulls together into a clear end product too."
Crystal Hocking Project Geologist II Rapid City, SD
“I’m fueled to meet and exceed client expectations. My sense of purpose at work is rooted in a delicate balance of championing sustainable mineral development while safeguarding the environment. It’s a calling that intertwines responsibility and innovation, a profound responsibility to ensure our actions today don’t compromise the resources of tomorrow, finding harmony between progress and preservation. Whether it’s conducting baseline environmental studies for a permitting project or developing groundwater fate and transport models, my work is not merely a challenge, but an opportunity to serve our clients and forge a path towards sustainable mineral development.”
Ben Haveman Project Geologist II Grand Junction, CO
"Our culture: how much we care about each other and how we're mutually invested in everyone's success. These things stem from a deliberate focus on caring and from the pride we share as employee owners.”