The inaugural U.S. Mining Summit, held at the University of Arizona, brought together academic and business leaders to tackle the surging demand for minerals amidst unprecedented domestic challenges. The event underscored the critical role of universities in driving innovation and education in the mining sector, setting the stage for potential shifts in policy and industry practices.
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella set the tone, emphasizing the strategic importance of mining and minerals innovation. “Mining and minerals innovation are critical areas for Arizona’s economy and for our global society,” Garimella stated, highlighting the university’s long-standing expertise and leadership in mining. This historical context makes the University of Arizona an ideal hub for national collaboration, as noted by David W. Hahn, the Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering. “Here at Arizona, mining is in our blood,” Hahn declared, tracing the university’s mining education history back to 1895.
Kray Luxbacher, head of the U of A College of Engineering’s Department of Mining and Geological Engineering, organized the summit. Luxbacher, who leads a Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration committee for university mining programs, stressed the urgency of the moment. “There has never been a more important time for our leaders to speak with one voice and clearly articulate the priorities in mining education and research,” she said. This sentiment was echoed by attendees, who recognized the need for coordinated efforts to address workforce shortages and technological advancements.
The summit highlighted the critical role of universities in developing the next generation of mining professionals. With at least half of the mining workforce expected to retire in the next four years, the need for investment in mining engineering education and research is paramount. Luxbacher pointed out that “boosting education and advancing technology can make the difference between leaping beyond other nations and just keeping up.” This call to action was supported by the presence of academic leaders from 13 accredited universities and two institutions aiming to launch mining programs.
The Mining Schools Act of 2025, introduced in March with strong bipartisan support, could significantly bolster these efforts. The act proposes strategic federal grants for university research and student recruitment, a move that Bill Hancock, the 2025 president of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, described as a great help to the industry. Universities are already playing a vital role in developing technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, that can mitigate the workforce gap. “The quality of the work will be higher and the workers more effective,” Hancock said, highlighting the potential benefits of technological advancements.
Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, the university’s senior vice president for research and innovation, emphasized the development of cutting-edge mining technologies. “At the University of Arizona, we are advancing cutting-edge technologies that support a safer, more efficient and more sustainable mining future,” he said, aligning with the broader goal of securing long-term U.S. interests.
The summit also addressed the competitive disadvantages faced by domestic mining, including complex permitting procedures and litigation risks. Speakers stressed the importance of domestically mining materials for security-oriented technologies, with Díaz de la Rubia noting that “this summit highlights the critical role of research universities in strengthening the mineral supply chains that underpin our national security and economic resilience.”
Panelists like Dawn Wellman, strategic program manager for copper research and development at Rio Tinto, and Hassan Amini, senior metallurgist at MP Materials, underscored the need for unified government outreach and continued collaboration. Wellman asked, “How do we rebuild our workforce and infrastructure? How do we figure out the new processes and technologies we need to produce these minerals today and increase our independence?” Amini echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and relationships.
The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration plans to hold the summit every two years to maintain momentum and foster continued collaboration. This commitment to regular engagement reflects the urgency and importance of the issues at hand, setting the stage for potential policy changes and industry innovations. As the mining sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the inaugural U.S. Mining Summit has laid the groundwork for a more coordinated, innovative, and resilient future.
