Suzen M. Rodesney, director of the Oklahoma Department of Mines (ODM), grew up a military brat, the daughter of an Air Force officer. She attended the University of Oklahoma, majoring in accounting, and after graduation, immediately began working at the ODM. She is a self-described “lifer” – having stayed within the department for her entire professional career. She was named executive director in September 2023. We caught up with Rodesney and got her thoughts on …
… what the ODM does for Oklahomans.
The Oklahoma Department of Mines regulates the mining industry in Oklahoma, and is also charged with oversight of non-mining blasting in the state. The Department of Mines issues permits, inspects for health and safety, and sees that reclamation occurs when mining ceases.
Mining is a dangerous business, and keeping fatalities at a zero level is a priority. We can achieve this goal through regular mine site inspections and comprehensive mining training. Our Oklahoma Miner Training Institute trains and certifies miners in all levels of expertise.
Oklahomans benefit from all the products mined in Oklahoma. The Gathering Place in Tulsa had all of the rock installations and building details provided by one of Oklahoma’s permittees. The headstones in the Oklahoma National Cemetery are made of polished granite from Oklahoma. The balustrade in our state Capitol is made from alabaster found near the Alabaster Caverns State Park. All the roads and infrastructure of Oklahoma is made with Oklahoma minerals. It is over a billion dollar industry in Oklahoma.
… what drew her to the ODM.
The Department of Mines embodies one of the sources for the primary sector of our state’s economy. The extraction and production of raw materials, such as mining, has been a long-standing industry in Oklahoma, predating statehood. My great grandfather worked in the Oklahoma coal mines and died of black lung disease. I believe that any industry in Oklahoma, especially mining, which has such a long-standing generational influence, is one of which to be proud.
… her favorite part of the job.
I never thought that a task that some would consider as mundane, such as putting my signature on a permitting document, would be so important. I realize that it represents an opportunity for a business to operate a mine site in Oklahoma and provide a product used to enhance or provide infrastructure for the state.
… her proudest achievements thus far.
I believe that advocating for the agency, its staff, supporting our mission and embracing the positive influence we have on Oklahomans and the effects of mining in their immediate surroundings is a terrific accomplishment.
I am pushing for more technology, more visibility and continued excellence from my staff, and have been relaying that information to the Oklahoma legislature. I am very proud that as a woman in a heavily positioned male industry, that females are rising as leaders alongside me. Many of the Oklahoma mining companies have more female geologists, engineers and technical staff that support this face of employment. In fact, just this year, the first ever female was selected as the chair for the Oklahoma Aggregates Association.
… what she wants people to know about ODM.
There is a saying: “If it can’t be grown, it must be mined.” It has been estimated that every American will need 3.03 million pounds of minerals, metals and fuels in their lifetime. And Oklahoma mining helps meet those needs! There are over 750 mining permits in the state of Oklahoma. The products mined include gypsum, limestone, granite, shale, sand and gravel, dimensional stone, tripoli, clay and salt. There are permitted mine operations in 76 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma. Over 85 million tons of minerals were mined in Oklahoma in 2023, which was the largest recorded production. Oklahoma ranks in the top 5 states for gypsum production.
… ODM in ten years.
One of the missions for the Department of Mines is to protect the property of the state. At the Department, we take that directive seriously. Mining operations post a performance bond that is used to ensure that proper reclamation of the mined land occurs. When companies default on that responsibility, we will collect that bond, and it is used in third party contractual arrangements to get reclamation completed. We are building a reclamation team this year, to make sure that these reclamation projects are completed. I want the mined Oklahoma lands to be restored. There are several Oklahoma mining operators who really set the bar for these projects. They contain beautiful landscaping, ponds, grazing lands- you would never know that a mine sat on the property.
I would really like to continue building on the communication efforts between the agency, mining operators and Oklahomans. Making sure that everyone complies with the law is an obvious duty. The harder part is to help the public understand how mining companies operate, and the daily concerns that are faced. More and more companies are taking to heart their responsibilities to create a sustainable industry. They work on being good neighbors, implementing conservation efforts, using renewable sources of energy, and limiting waste through more reuse and recycling efforts. The Department of Mines can continue to partner with the industry to encourage these work practices.
… the more you know.
Oklahoma’s Tar Creek area, in northeastern Oklahoma, has been designated as a Superfund cleanup site due to the lead and zinc mining that occurred up until the 1970s. The Picher, Oklahoma area was officially unincorporated in 2013, and since 2019, the EPA has designated funding for the cleanup of the area. These lead and zinc mines were the nation’s largest, producing over $20 billion of ore between 1917 and 1947. The lead and zinc needed for World War I and II efforts were produced in these mines.
