In the 1950s and 1960s, Utah Construction & Mining explored a number of mining ventures simultaneously. Several were especially significant in broadening the company's political and financial strategies. Developing the Marcona iron ore mine in western Peru drew UC&M into international shipping between several foreign countries. Opening the Navajo steam coal mine in New Mexico meant negotiating with the semi-sovereign tribe and with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior, as well as building a power plant and attracting customers. The merger with Lucky Mc brought about a relationship with the Atomic Energy Commission, which purchased all the uranium concentrate produced in the country to fuel the nuclear arms race. This major redirection from heavy construction to mining required the determined steering of company leaders. Marriner Eccles' worldwide scope and expertise in economics held immense sway with the Board of Directors. Ed Littlefield's finesse with individuals inside and outside the company eased transactions and helped to attract and retain talented personnel. Littlefield encouraged his subordinates to take risks, and he supported them when they made mistakes. Eccles and Littlefield did not always agree, but they presented a united front that combined acute foresight, ethical dealing, and a pragmatic approach. Just as early mining operations changed the company's name and allowed the company to go public, now multi-national mining effected another name change - and more - in 1971. As the 1970s progressed, Utah International mined itself out of the business-as-usual ranks and into the annals of business history.