Bridging The Gap Between Miners and Environmentalists

Queen Ruby's initiative is "Bridging The Gap: Miners and Environmentalists Must Work Together for Mother Earth!” The environment is important to both parties, so the goal is to present ways in which they can collaborate and work towards a sustainable future in the mining industry. It is not about picking a side but one can be both. Environmentalists along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must acknowledge the importance of mining, and create regulations that does not affect the progress of mining companies but protect the environment and health of its workers. Also, the mining industry must have ethical practices that are environmentally, socially, and financially responsible. 

Mining Engineer Ruby B. Johnson
Kimberlite open-pit mine in Kono District, Sierra Leone

Mining Engineer Ruby B. Johnson
Kimberlite surface mine in Kono District, Sierra Leone

Additionally, Queen Ruby has been doing the Miss Earth Maryland 2015 School Tour in her state. This platform provides kindergarten through grade 12-level children mining education lessons and activities, and to inform and educate the general public about the importance of mining in their everyday lives. With this platform, she also emphasizes on the need for the mining industry to move towards a sustainable future such as reclamation and recycling practices.

Ruby B. Johnson with students at Parkland Middle School in Rockville, Maryland

Mining Engineer Ruby B. Johnson
Surface salt mine in Lansing, New York

Having received her undergraduate degree in mining and minerals engineering from Virginia Tech, Queen Ruby also actively advocates for the recruitment and retention of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in her home state of Maryland and the United States.

Virginia Tech Graduate Ruby B. Johnson

Mining Engineer Ruby B. Johnson
Underground salt mine in Lansing, New York

Mining Engineer Ruby B. Johnson
Calcite surface mine in Hunt Valley, Maryland

Mining Engineer Ruby B. Johnson
Affinity Coal Preparation Plant in Beckley, West Virginia

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Mining Role Model: Daphne Mashile-Nkosi

Daphne Mashile Nkosi, Chairperson of Kalagadi Managanese and CEO of Kalahari Resources

Daphne Mashile-Nkosi is the: Executive Chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese; CEO of Kalahari Resources; Director of Eyesizwe Coal; Chair of Lesedi Drilling and Mining; Trustee/Chairperson of the Women’s Development Bank Trust; and Founder/Director of Temoso Technologies. With her strong development background and activism in gender issues, she brings focus to business issues that improve the quality of life of poor communities and the nurturing of women entrepreneurs and leaders.