Citation
Tsu-Ming Han 1999 Goldich Medal Recipient

The 1999 Goldich Medal recipient epitomizes the characteristics required to receive this unique and prestigious award. He has devoted his professional life to solving nature's myriad challenges in the field of geology and sharing his findings with colleagues both verbally and through published and unpublished mineral papers.

He was born during the 1920s in the Hunan Province of China. His family stressed the importance of education. He pursued his education during a series of difficult periods that included being kidnaped and held by bandits, pursued by Japanese forces, and the imposition of Nationalist control followed by the cultural upheaval caused by the ascendancy of the Communists after World War II. After graduating from Northwest University in Sian Province in 1945 and a brief stint with the Bureau of Mineral Exploration, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1947 to complete graduate work at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Minnesota. His mentors at the University of Minnesota included Drs. Goldich, Gruner, and Schwartz.

After summer employment with Cleveland-Cliffs in 1952, he accepted permanent employment at the Ishpeming Research facility. Soon after, he met and married Joy. They have three children who have also benefited professionally by achieving advanced educational degrees.

He has published numerous articles on the genesis of iron formations with emphasis on textural relations during diagenesis and metamorphism.

What is not generally known is that he is an expert on all facets of the beneficiation and pelletizing process that has dominated the North American iron ore industry for half a century. His studies have assisted in continual improvement in the pelletizing process to keep the industry competitive.

He has a special interest in the preserved algae present in several areas of the Negaunee Iron-formation at the Empire Mine and has published his findings.

It should be noted that he delivered a paper at the first Institute meeting in 1955 and continues his scientific inquiry as evidenced by his current presentation at the Institute. Indeed, the only change noticeable since his formal retirement in 1992 is that he now wears tennis shoes to the office.

It is my pleasure to introduce to the Institute the 1999 recipient of the Goldich Medal, my friend and our colleague, Tsu-Ming Han.

Submitted by Tom Wagonner
Awarded May 6, 1999
Marquette, Michigan
45th Annual Institute on Lake Superior Geology