Work in the mining industry is a lifetime career for many; for a few it spans generations. Phillip Sledge is a 29-year veteran of the mining industry and a third-generation miner. He graduated from Central Arizona College and attended the Colorado School of Mines. After working directly in mines for 14 years, he transitioned to a career as a supplier of products and services.

Today, Sledge works as an Area Manager of Western US Mining at Contech Engineered Solutions—a company he has worked with for three years. He feels his experience working in the mines has given him an advantage working in supplies.

“It is a great feeling to know that my background and experience can provide an overall view of the projects that I now work directly with,” he said.

In his current position, Sledge works with teams in the U.S. and Mexico to grow his company’s presence, occasionally assisting teams that work abroad elsewhere. Thus, he is able to experience travel through his work in the mining industry, something he says he is “blessed” to be able to do.

“I have been able to assist in everything from the design of a mine all the way down to the commissioning of sections of those mines,” Sledge said.

For those getting their start in mining, they may do well to look to Sledge for advice on how to advance and seize the many opportunities mining provides.

“I would encourage anyone to work in the mining industry and take advantage of all the offerings they encounter working there,” he said. “I have been very fortunate to work in mines from the ground up—worked underground, the pit, mills, refineries and smelters in my career.”

In his free time, Sledge coaches softball and likes to go off-road riding, hunting and camping.