Arizona Law has a long history in natural resources law. That is hardly surprising given the extractive natural resource treasures of Arizona and the Southwest, including one of the 5 "C's"...copper. And even as the production of two other C's (citrus and cotton) have declined, and the fourth C (cattle) has held its own, and as climate has become increasingly important (for growth, and as a potential limit on growth), mineral (and especially copper) production remains an important part of the state economy.

 

A few weeks ago we announced that two of our students received highly competitive scholarships from the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Our increased work in mining law and policy echoes the global focus of the College, and a number of our international JD students come with a particular interest in mining and natural resource law. 

 

Our ability to create a nationally and globally competitive focus on mining law and policy here at Arizona Law comes from our history, our location, and the combination of a top geological sciences program and a leading mining engineering program under the direction of Regents' Professor Mary Poulton.

 

This year we join with our partners at the College of Engineering in issuing the invitation to their annual Lacy Lecture. The lecture is a tribute to the late Dr. Willard C. Lacy, the first head of the combined Department of Mining and Geological Engineering. The Lacy Lecture brings some of the top leaders in the mining industry to the University of Arizona.

 

This year's Lacy Lecture will be given by GoldCorp President, Chief Executive Officer, and Arizona Law alum Charles "Chuck" Jeannes ('83). 

 

The Lecture will be held at the Law College at 5 pm on Friday, November 7 --  in the midst Homecoming, and the launch of the law school's centennial celebrations!

 

Chuck Jeannes is an international leader in the global mining industry. As the CEO of GoldCorp, he leads one of the world's largest and fastest growing mineral production companies. During his tenure, he has successfully grown the organization with mining operations and development projects located throughout the Americas.

 

After graduating from Arizona Law, he practiced law for 12 years in the areas of capital markets, public and private transactions, financing, and international regulation. He then moved to positions of corporate leadership at Glamis Gold and Placer Dome.

 

His Lacy Lecture is entitled, "Turning Challenges to Opportunities in Today's Mining Industry."

 

This will be one of the signature events this year for the University of Arizona, offering a unique perspective on mining, natural resources policy, and corporate leadership.

 

Students, faculty, practitioners, local mining professionals, and the public at large will have the opportunity in this public lecture to engage with Chuck Jeannes and learn from his vast experience within the industry. Mark your calendars now for Homecoming and the Lacy Lecture.

 

 

The Lacy Lecture was started in 2006 as a tribute to Dr. Willard C. Lacy. Dr. Lacy is the father of our distinguished alumnus and longtime Professor of Practice, John C. Lacy ('67), who practices natural resources law at DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy here in Tucson.

 

John has been a crucial part of our efforts at the college to develop and offer a more robust set of mining law courses. John brings tremendous industry knowledge to the table. In fact, a significant amount of his practice is devoted to international mineral transactions, and he assisted in revisions to the mining law of the Republic of Bolivia and the English translation of the mining laws and regulations of Mexico.

 

John's lifelong focus has brought him stature as an internationally recognized advocate and expert in mining and public land law. He has been involved in projects from beginning to end, developing a wide range of expertise. His experience encompasses transactional and title consideration involving acquisition of mineral rights from private and governmental agencies together with permitting issues and associated water rights. 

 

For years, students have raved about John's classes and we are thrilled to have him back for yet another year to share his talents. John teaches Public Lands & Mining Law and Oil & Gas Law courses. Moreover, we are grateful to the entire Lacy family for their multi-generational passion about mining and natural resources.