SIMCO

06/12/2026

06/09/2026

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) proudly took part in Carlsbad’s Inspired by Science Camp Family STEM Night. The annual camp held at Southeast New Mexico College invited families Thursday night to take part in hands-on activities and demonstrations, from local organizations including SIMCO, Los Alamos Technical Associates and Sandia National Laboratories. About 100 kids ages 7 to 12 participated in the week-long camp, one of the largest events organized each year by Inspired by Science, which has been providing area STEM programs for more than 10 years.

06/02/2026

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) is proud to support STEM education and invest in the next generation of innovators. Recently, SIMCO presented a $13,000 donation to Inspired by Science to help expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities for elementary students across our community.

Inspired by Science continues to make a lasting impact by inspiring young minds through fun, educational science experiences that encourage future careers in STEM fields.

“We are proud to support Inspired by Science and its mission to spark curiosity and excitement for STEM education in young students,” said Ken Harrawood, SIMCO Program Manager. “Investing in hands-on learning opportunities today helps inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists, and leaders in our community.”

To read more click here: https://simco-llc.us/simco-supports-inspired-by-sciences-stem-education-efforts-2/

05/19/2026

The Department of Energy’s Carlsbad Field Office and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors welcomed Assistant Secretary of Environmental Management (EM) Tim Walsh recently during a visit to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the nation's only deep, geologic repository for defense-generated transuranic (TRU) nuclear waste, a critical part of the Department of Energy’s EM cleanup of Cold War nuclear production sites.

The two-day tour, of both the surface and underground, was attended by Walsh, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Joel Bradburne, Chief Operating Officer David Brunnert, Communications Director Justin Doil and Chief of Staff John Howard. It included a look at the operations to dispose of the nation’s (TRU) waste more than 2,150 feet safely and permanently underground at the site outside of Carlsbad, NM.

Assistant Secretary Walsh said, “WIPP is such an important piece to the overall EM mission and broader national security priorities, and to be here, tasting the airborne salt dust in the mine is an experience that I’ll never forget.”

05/19/2026

SIMCO was proud to sponsor a reception after the Law Enforcement Memorial in honor of National Police Week.

We proudly honor the men and women who put on the badge every day protecting our communities, running toward danger, and sacrificing so much in service to others.

To every officer, past and present: your courage, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. We are grateful beyond words.

05/14/2026

SIMCO is proud to congratulate five outstanding team members who recently completed the Leadership Carlsbad program — Tim Brown (Acquisition Services), Katie Gentry (Quality Assurance), Karla Granillo-Lopez (Emergency Preparedness), Laura Turner (Waste Handling Operations), and Jayden Whitzel (Project Controls).

Leadership Carlsbad is a prestigious 10-month leadership development initiative presented by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce that prepares participants to become engaged, informed, and empowered leaders within the Carlsbad community. Through sessions covering government and public policy, law enforcement, education, healthcare, non-profits, tourism and more, graduates gain a deeper understanding of the community they serve and the leaders they are called to be.

SIMCO is honored to support employees who invest in themselves and in the future of Carlsbad. Strong communities are built by strong leaders, and SIMCO is proud that these five represent us in that mission.

05/12/2026

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) Education Outreach recently participated in Monterrey Elementary School’s Career Day event. This gave us the opportunity to educate fourth and fifth grade students about the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and how we safely ensure the permanent disposal of defense-related transuranic waste.
The students were very inquisitive and asked great questions about the many career opportunities available through SIMCO and WIPP. They especially enjoyed learning about the history of WIPP and the positive impact it continues to have on the Carlsbad, NM community.
We also discussed workforce development opportunities and highlighted the programs offered through Southeast New Mexico College, including certificates in mining, welding, and radiation control, along with many other certification and associate degree options.
Thank you to Monterrey Elementary for inviting us to inspire the next generation of professionals!

05/07/2026

SIMCO proudly partnered with the MLK Scholarship Committee and Carlsbad Municipal Schools to host the Fourth Annual Passport to Adventure event. The event brought together a wide range of community partners, including Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, LATA, Cave & Karst, CNB Bank, Southeast New Mexico College, and several other local businesses—all united in support of STEM education.

“This year’s theme, Space, was especially exciting as it coincided with the recent Artemis mission orbiting the moon, sparking curiosity and inspiration among students,” said Dr. Joy James-Foster, Education Outreach Lead for SIMCO. Attendees participated in an engaging scavenger hunt, visiting interactive booths hosted by participating organizations, where they explored science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and meaningful ways.

SIMCO contributed to literacy efforts by sponsoring books for students, CNB Bank Sponsored the lunches and several giveaways, while Los Alamos National Laboratory donated a high-powered telescope and the MLK Scholarship Committee donated tablets, robots, and Star Wars collectibles.

The event was both memorable and impactful, leaving students inspired and equipped with several books to take home by SIMCO and LATA—helping to build their personal libraries and foster a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

We want to extend a special thanks to United Way for their continued support as well as the City of Carlsbad and the Riverwalk Recreation Center for providing the venue.

05/05/2026

CARLSBAD, N.M., May 4, 2026 – Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO) proudly announces its 2026 SIMCO scholarship program recipients. Helping to build brighter futures with its commitment to education, SIMCO celebrated the recent award of 20 scholarships totaling $20,000. These scholarships went to high school seniors in Eddy and Lea counties. They were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants.

“SIMCO is committed to investing in our student’s post-secondary education. A college education can have a lasting impact on their lives. We’re proud to play a small part in that journey,” said Dr. Joy James-Foster, SIMCO Education Outreach Lead. “SIMCO scholarships are just one way we’re supporting our students and investing in their futures.”

Students from Artesia, Carlsbad, Hobbs and Loving received scholarships.

Continue reading here: https://simco-llc.us/salado-isolation-mining-contractors-proudly-awards-20000-in-local-scholarships-to-high-school-seniors/

04/28/2026

Reminder: Join us for our WIPP Community Forum today at noon in person and online.

https://wipp.energy.gov/wipp_news_20260324.asp