September 24, 2024 - Thomas Shelley, former Environmental Manager at the company’s Tyrone mine in Grant County, N.M., recently was inducted into the New Mexico Mining Association’s Hall of Fame, capping off a 30-plus-year career that spanned from the Chino and Tyrone mines in New Mexico to the Tenke Fungurume mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“When I tried to think of the words to sum up Tom’s impressive career, I kept coming back to the same one – service,” said Randy Ellison, General Manager-New Mexico Operations. That service was a recurring theme at the convention’s August banquet in Albuquerque, echoed by speakers in attendance and in a video tribute shown during the awards ceremony.

From President and Chief Operating Officer-Americas Josh Olmsted to John Brack, a former General Manager for New Mexico Operations, coworkers and company fixtures alike spoke about Shelley’s military service, work in the community and invaluable contributions to New Mexico’s mining industry.

Many spoke about Shelley’s role in the development of the Copper Rules – regulations that help set the standards for New Mexico’s groundwater quality – his keen insight into how legislation would impact the state’s mining industry and his help in reclaiming thousands of acres across New Mexico.

Shelley also was part of the team responsible for helping the company secure nominations for several Wildlife Habitat Council awards. In 2023, Tyrone won the Species of Concern Award for its work with the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

While his work with New Mexico Operations was well-recognized, Shelley also had a lasting impact across the entire company.

“Tom has had a remarkable and inspiring career,” said Ned Hall, Regional Environmental Manager. “He not only helped obtain key permits for new projects, but also led the way on responsibly reclaiming historical operations, paving the way for reclamation practices across our North and South American operations.”

According to Hall, who was mentored by Shelley, the Hall of Fame inductee embodies Freeport’s ideals of team collaboration, integrity and achieving ambitious goals—all while maintaining an attitude of humility about his contributions.

Shelley was recognized for those contributions alongside fellow inductees Wagner Equipment and the outgoing executive director of the NMMA. Shelley’s induction follows his retirement from Tyrone mine earlier this year. He now has turned his attention to consulting and politics, continuing a long history of supporting local mining.

“Mining can be done very successfully if we work together,” Shelley said. “I hope my legacy would be to be remembered for trying to do that as best I could.”

Photos (left to right):  Thomas Shelley was inducted into the New Mexico Mining Association’s Hall of Fame after a career with Freeport that spanned more than three decades; Tom Shelley was congratulated by Randy Ellison (right), as well as countless other coworkers and state politicians.