Stuart A. Bengson (1943 – 2021)

Mine Reclamation Pioneer

2023 Inductee from Mining’s Past

Stuart A. Bengson was born in Marquette, Michigan in 1943. He graduated from Amphi High School in Tucson, Arizona in 1961, obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry in 1970 and a Master of Science in National Resources Administration in 1978, both from the University of Arizona.

In 1973, Bengson joined ASARCO LLC (Asarco) as an Agronomist at the Mission Complex in Sahuarita, Arizona.  Over a 34-year career, Stuart was best known for his pioneering work in reclamation of tailings and mined lands at active and inactive mine sites in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, Utah and Montana. He pioneered mine tailings reclamation using livestock and biosolids and successfully implemented innovative technologies for drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation.

Bengson served as Vice Chairman Bureau of Land Management Safford District Public Lands Advisory Council (1978-1988); was a member Bureau of Land Management Arizona  Resource Advisory Council;  served as Chairman of the Pima Natural Resource Conservation District and chaired the Public Lands Committee of the Arizona Mining Association.

He was a Member of the Society Range Management (SRM), Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), Society of Mining Engineers (SME), the American Society of Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR) and the United Four Wheel Drive Association (UFWDA).

Bengson received numerous awards recognizing his accomplishments in the field of metal mine reclamation and land management. They include: 1984 SWCS Conservation of the Year Award, 1989 and 1991 SRM President’s Award; 2003 Pioneer of Reclamation Award (American Society of Mining and Reclamation) and the 2016 Lifetime Conservation Heritage (Pima Natural Resource Conservation District AACD).

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