Karl Emerson Elers' Obituary
Karl Emerson Elers, 84, died on January 2, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Chicago to Karl Alexander Elers and Harriet Emerson Elers and attended school in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California, where he graduated from Arcadia High School. He attended the University of Arizona College of Mines where he obtained a BS in both Geological Engineering and Mining Engineering. He completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business Administration, and later was awarded a professional engineering degree by the University of Arizona recognizing his contributions to the minerals industry.
Karl started his career at Duval Corporation in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he held several management positions in their potash and Sulphur mines. He traveled extensively for the company in Latin America, Australia, and the Far East as Vice President of Production for Duval. In 1985 he served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Pennzoil Sulphur Company and directed the startup of Western Ag Minerals.
Karl joined Battle Mountain Gold in 1987 and was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1990. He initiated and directed the merger between Battle Mountain and Hemlo Gold Ltd., which created the third largest precious metals producer in the United States. In 2001 he directed a merger with Newmont Mining Corporation.
His professional service included Niugini Mining Ltd. Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the National Mining Association, The Fertilizer Institute, The Northwest Mining Association, Chairman of the Western Governors’ Mining Advisory Council, President of the New Mexico Mining Association, and was a Legion of Honor member of the American Society of Mining Engineers and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He has also served on the Industry Advisory Board for mineral engineering programs at the University of Arizona College of Engineering. He was awarded the order of Simon Bolivar by the President of the Republic of Bolivia for services to that nation.
Karl is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandy, his children Karl Frederick Elers II and Louisa Elers Savarese, grandchildren Ally Elers Hansen (Austin), Karl F. Elers III, Kristopher Elers, Dylan Elers, Ciro Savarese, Luca Savarese, and Clara Savarese. He is also survived by his sister Liza Elers McCraren, nephew Peter McCraren (Ilka), niece Kathryn McCraren Bellacosa (Matt), and four grand nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Karl Alexander and Harriet Emerson Elers.
In his free time, Karl pursued birding, reading history, rooting for the Houston Astros, and looking after his dogs, Peter Too and Buttercup. He mentored his grandchildren and other young people by helping with resumes and discussing education plans and employment opportunities, enjoyed the camaraderie of his Stag Book Club, and visiting with his friends and former fellow employees. He and Sandy enjoyed taking their RV far and near.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to University of Arizona College of Engineering Chapman Scholarship, Tucson Audubon Society or The Catalina High School Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 10, 2023 at Westward Look Resort from 4 to 6 PM. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to [email protected].
What’s your fondest memory of Karl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karl?
Share a story where Karl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karl you’ll never forget.
How did Karl make you smile?