Steve Gardner, PE, SME-RM – 2022 Mining Engineering Foundation Distinguished Alumnus
He served as President/ CEO of ECSI, LLC for 36 years, a consulting practice focused on natural resources, mining, reclamation, energy, environmental, health and safety issues. In January 2019 ECSI merged with SynTerra Corp. where he served as VP Special Projects, Mining & Energy until retiring in 2021 and continues work as an independent consultant.
Mr. Gardner has an MS Mining Engineering, Graduate Certification in Environmental Systems and BS Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky. In 2011, he was inducted into the UK Engineering Hall of Distinction. As a Professional Engineer, he has worked on projects throughout the US and internationally. Early in his career, he served on a Volunteer mine rescue team.
He was 2015 President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and recognized as an SME Fellow and Registered Member and serves on the SME Foundation board. He has worked as an engineer, owner and manager in both mining operations and consulting. He served on the UK Mining Engineering Foundation, Kentucky Geological Survey, Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Advisory Boards and was a member of the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Mining History is a passion and hobby, collecting memorabilia, writing and working on historic mining attractions.