SME president Will Wilkinson talks about mining and renewable energy

Will Wilkinson, VP for Exploration with Phoenix-based Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, is completing his term as president of SME and gave an interview in the current issue of "Coal People Magazine."

Among the issues he addresses are the growing need for copper and other minerals on producing and transmitting renewable energy, particularly wind farms and solar, and in powering hybrid vehicles.

He noted that the growing demand for electricity as well as maintaining base load capacity, means "coal will be around for a very long time" as an electric power source.