Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona recently hosted the first U.S. Mining Summit on April 3 and 4, focusing on the increasing demand for minerals and the domestic challenges facing the industry. University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella highlighted the significance of mining and minerals innovation for both Arizona and the global community. "Mining and minerals innovation are critical areas for Arizona’s economy and for our global society, and a strategic priority for the U of A," Garimella stated.

The summit was organized under the guidance of Kray Luxbacher, who heads the Mining and Geological Engineering Department at the University of Arizona. Luxbacher emphasized, "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."

David W. Hahn, Dean of the College of Engineering, pointed out the university's long-standing tradition in mining education. "The School of Mines opened in 1895 in this very building," he remarked, reflecting on the university's rich mining heritage.

According to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, a significant portion of the current workforce—221,000 workers—is expected to retire within the next four years. This potential gap in industry skills and knowledge underscores the urgency for investment in mining education and research. Luxbacher remarked, "Boosting education and advancing technology can make the difference between leaping beyond other nations and just keeping up."

The summit drew academic leaders from 13 accredited universities and two institutions planning to develop mining programs. Their initiatives could receive support from the Mining Schools Act of 2025, proposed in March, backed by Senator Mark Kelly and Representative Ruben Gallego. This legislation seeks to provide federal grants for university research and student recruitment.

Bill Hancock, the 2025 president of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, highlighted the pivotal role of universities in developing technologies like artificial intelligence and automation. "The quality of the work will be higher and the workers more effective," Hancock noted.

During the summit, Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, the university's senior vice president for research and innovation, commented on the development of mining technology. "At the University of Arizona, we are advancing cutting-edge technologies that support a safer, more efficient and more sustainable mining future," he stated.

Dawn Wellman from Rio Tinto identified the need for quick strategic developments in workforce and infrastructure rebuilding. Hassan Amini from MP Materials echoed the importance of such summits, asserting, "It's really important to have these talks and relationships."

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration intends to hold the summit biennially to sustain progress in the industry.