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Annual Conference

Dive Into Discovery

GANJ XLI 2025

Revisiting The Sterling Hill Orebody In the 21st Century

Challenges In Understanding and Mining This Magnificent Mineral Deposit
October 17th-18th, 2025

The New Jersey Geological Association’s Annual Conference, titled Revisiting the Sterling Hill Orebody: Challenges in Understanding and Mining this Magnificent Deposit, will take place at the historic Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey. Designed for geologists and educators, this unique event blends history, cutting-edge science, and hands-on exploration of one of the region’s most iconic ore deposits. Attendees will hear firsthand accounts from miners who worked in the stopes, offering a glimpse into the daily challenges and triumphs of extracting minerals from this extraordinary geological formation. The program also features talks by leading experts who will shed light on the complexities of the Sterling Hill orebody and share their investigations and those of former workers that continue to inspire research today. Additionally, the conference will introduce a newly developed, digitized 3D model of the orebody, providing attendees with a state-of-the-art perspective on its structural and geochemical intricacies.

The conference will cover the structural geology and geochemistry of the deposit while celebrating its remarkable mineralogical history. Sterling Hill is renowned for its diverse and vibrant mineral assemblages, and speakers will explore the historical and scientific significance of these minerals in the broader context of the mine’s legacy. Participants will have unparalleled access to the deposit itself. This access, combined with expert presentations and innovative tools like the 3D model, ensures a truly exceptional experience. Sterling Hill’s rich mining heritage and geological significance will serve as the perfect backdrop for advancing understanding of orebody complexities while fostering connections between academia and the geological community. Additional surprises and exclusive opportunities will make this event an unmissable highlight of 2025 for regional geologists and educators alike.

Note:  Registration for our Annual Conference automatically grants membership for the year.

Miners work in the 1480 Stope, 1300 ft below surface at the Sterling Hill Mine in 1945. Image courtesy of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum.
Agenda

October 17, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:40 PM

Day 1 – Platform Presentations

Location – The Sterling Hill Mining Museum,
Pavilion Next to Caboose
30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, NJ 07934 

Click here to visit the Sterling Hill Mining Museum Website

Registration Breakfast (Continental; anticipated to include mini croissants, muffins, danishes, and donut bites with coffee)

Opening Remarks – Mike Di Maio

Session 1Keynote: John Puffer, PhD – TBD

Session 2 – Earl Verbeek, PhD – TBD

Session 3 – Doug Francisco – TBD

Session 4 – Pierre Lacombe – Eponymous  Minerals of the Franklin and Sterling Hill Mines

Session 5 – Gregory C. Herman, PhD – TBD

Session 6 – Bill Kroth – TBD

Closing Thoughts – Mike Di Maio

Business Meeting – Moderator, Mike Di Maio

Speaker Bios

Professor, Emeritus Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

John Puffer

Extensively researched the Precambrian petrology and geochemistry of New Jersey Geology

John Puffer, PhD is an Emeritus Professor of Rutgers University and a founding member of the Geological Association of New Jersey (GANJ) board, where he has been instrumental in advancing geological research and education across the state. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and has extensively studied New Jersey’s unique geology, including the Sterling Hill deposit and other mineral deposits in the Highlands. Dr. Puffer’s research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the petrogenesis of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) basalts, particularly within the Newark Basin, and his work on the Palisades Sill and Watchung Mountains has provided valuable insights into the region’s igneous formations and tectonic history. Recently, Dr. Puffer published work on petrogenesis of the Zero Fault Pegmatite which outcrops in the quarry at Franklin.

At the upcoming conference, Dr. Puffer will delve into the rich legacy and history of the Sterling Hill Mine, exploring its geological significance and the contributions of key figures such as Bob Metsger. He will highlight the enduring impact of their work on our understanding of orebody complexities and New Jersey’s geological heritage. A passionate educator, Dr. Puffer has also developed resources such as the Chester Geology Trail to inspire curiosity and learning about the state’s geology. His dedication to mentorship and research continues to make him a vital figure in the geological community.

Researcher and CUrator Franklin Mineral Museum

Earl Verbeek

Expert in structural and mineralogical aspects of the Sterling and Franklin Mines.

Earl Verbeek, PhD, now serving as Curator at the Franklin Mineral Museum, has dedicated his career to advancing geological research and education. With 25 years of experience as a research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey and environmental specialist with the Bureau of Land Management, Dr. Verbeek investigated regional fracture systems and fluid flow across the western United States. Following his government service, Dr. Verbeek moved to New Jersey, where his diverse roles have included teaching 9th-grade earth science, working as an environmental planner, and contributing extensively to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. During his tenure at Sterling Hill, Dr. Verbeek took thousands of underground measurements, expanding the scientific understanding of the mine’s unique geology. As Resident Geologist and Curator for a decade, he managed the museum’s mineral, rock, and ore collections while developing educational curricula that continue to inspire learners of all ages. Now at the Franklin Mineral Museum, he continues his research and serves as editor of The Picking Table, the journal of the Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society. Known for his meticulous research and passion for mineralogy, Dr. Verbeek remains a vital figure in preserving and advancing knowledge of New Jersey’s extraordinary geological heritage.

FOrmer Miner at the Sterling Hill Mine

Doug Francisco

Spent 12 years working underground in all possible roles at the Sterling Hill Mine

Doug Francisco, a trustee at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, embodies a lifelong dedication to the mining and construction industries. A graduate of the Brinker School of Surveying and Mapping, Doug spent 12 years as a miner at Sterling Hill, gaining invaluable firsthand experience with the orebody’s complexities. He went on to work for 30 years in heavy highway and bridge construction, bringing expertise and precision to major infrastructure projects. Now retired, Doug channels his passion into preserving and sharing the legacy of Sterling Hill. Committed to passing on the most accurate knowledge of the mine’s history, he creates innovative, engaging displays that captivate and educate visitors. One notable example of his work is initiating the drilling for the fluorescent slab cut from the Sterling Hill property, now proudly displayed at the American Museum of Natural History. Always eager to connect with others, Doug welcomes questions about his time in the mine—especially about his favorite place to work: the large horseshoe shaped 1020 stope, 1300 level. He continues to explore new technologies to enhance the visitor experience, ensuring Sterling Hill’s legacy remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.

GANJ Headshots - Herman

Research
Geologist

Gregory C. Herman

Dedicated to studying Appalachian geology, impact tectonics, and regional neotectonics.

GREGORY C. HERMAN, PhD is a professional geologist that mapped and researched Appalachian geology for over three decades with the New Jersey Geological Survey. He’s now the staff geologist for Trap Rock Industries, LLC and continues to independently research impact tectonics, regional neotectonics, and geoarchaeological sites. His publications and blogs are on the web at impacttectonics.org.

GeoTechnical Engineer,

Bill Kroth

Dedicated to transferring the knowledge of STEM to the next generation of scientists through programs at SHMM

Bill Kroth, PE is a seasoned civil and geotechnical engineer with over 35 years of experience in designing and managing complex construction projects, including bridges, highways, railroads, foundations, and dams. A graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology with both B.S.C.E. and M.S.C.E. degrees, he is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and New Jersey. For the past 20 years, Mr. Kroth has been deeply involved with the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, where his work has bridged technical expertise and historical preservation. He has contributed to numerous engineering and construction projects at the museum, curated extensive collections of minerals from the Franklin and Sterling Hill deposits, and designed educational displays such as the renowned “Periodic Table of the Elements.” With a passion for the technical history of Sterling Hill, Mr. Kroth frequently shares his knowledge through tours and lectures, offering insight into the geological and engineering challenges of the site. Additionally, as Co-Director of the Ellis Observatory, he merges his lifelong interest in astronomy with his dedication to science education.

Pierre Lacombe

Retired USGS
Geologist, Roebling Museum

Pierre
Lacombe

Focused on New Jersey’s hydrogeologic framework and community impacts during his career and now resides on the board of Roebling Museum.

PIERRE LACOMBE, PG retired from the U.S. Geological Survey in 2017.  During his 40-year career as a geologist, he investigated and published extensively on groundwater supply issues of New Jersey. Pierre spent much of his time investigating the hydrogeologic framework of the Newark Basin and the impact of the hydrogeologic framework of the flow of recalcitrant contaminants.  During his retirement he continues field investigations of the local geology and its impact and influence on NJ communities.

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