From AI to mental health, 2026WIM USA addresses industry’s biggest challenges

The 2026 Women in Mining (WIM) National Conference unfolded over four days, from April 20-23, in Tucson, AZ. Women from across the industry gathered to share similar experiences, discuss key industry developments and empower one another. The agenda opened with community building, shifted into key workforce discussions and closed with applied learning through boots-on-the ground experiences. The conference began on Monday with the WIM golf social, an early opportunity for attendees to connect outside a formal setting. That tone carried into the evening welcome mixer at Treasury 1929, where a western theme established a vibrant mood for the week. Attendees moved between line-dancing lessons and a scavenger hunt designed to break down barriers between students and professionals. Tuesday opened early with optional yoga led by Rebecca Darling, followed by breakfast and the launch of a two-day headshot studio. WIM USA president Julia Potter delivered opening remarks that acknowledged Indigenous communities in Arizona and set the tone for the rest of the day. The keynote panel, “Developing Talent, Retaining Leaders: The Future of Mining,” kicked off the conference, with speakers examining how the industry builds and keeps talent. Speakers included Melissa Russell, chief executive officer at SME; Emma Salditt, partnership development manager at SME; Kray Luxbacher, executive director, School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources at University of Arizona; Steve Trussell, executive director at Arizona Mining Association; Jessamyn Messick, global inclusion and employee engagement leader at Freeport-McMoRan; and Greatness Ojum, student at University of Arizona. Panelists framed mining as an industry with strong opportunity but weak visibility. They pointed to gaps in outreach, inconsistent mentorship pipelines and a need for clearer career pathways. Speakers emphasized that companies must actively recruit talent rather than wait for it, while educators highlighted the role of applied learning in preparing students for operations. From there, the conference split into concurrent sessions. The environmental, social and governance (ESG) track featured “NextGen Miners: Champions for ESG,” moderated by Meggy Gidula of Brown and Caldwell. Panelists Lucy Nunez, Simone Bailey and Angela Brush discussed how younger professionals are pushing environmental and social priorities into core operations. The conversation focused on bridging technical execution with stakeholder trust, particularly in community and Indigenous engagement. At the same time, the technology track opened with a short “Tech Driven Transformation Welcome,” followed by “Mining Innovation: Empowering Change Through Technology.” Led by Erman Koc of Airth.io, the panel included leaders Kristin Lamar, managing director at Deloitte; Amanda Ferguson, general manager at EquipmentShare; and Talita Thompson, mining services engineer at Komatsu MTS. Speakers focused on artificial intelligence (AI), automation and data integration. They stressed the need for training, transparency and direct involvement from frontline workers to ensure technology delivers value. Late morning sessions continued in parallel. “Embedding ESG Into Culture” examined how human behavior shapes safety and retention, with Darling and Samantha Larson focusing on the cultural side of compliance. “Mapping the Mining Face” explored digital scanning technologies with Luxbacher and geologist Mary Hurtgen, showing how real-time data improve underground decision-making. Another session, “Building in Public,” showcased Maven Exploration, a women-led company redefining transparency and communication in mining. Peggy Bell, Kelly Ward and Elizabeth Freeman described how plain language and open processes can shift how companies engage both internally and externally. Attendees also had the option to explore a session on Hermosa’s Integrated Remote Operations Center (IROC), which demonstrated how centralized control systems are reshaping mine management. After lunch, the focus shifted to workplace realities. A session on women’s workplace design, led by Kat Tew, transitioned into a broader panel with Shari Smith, Paloma Lazaro Trujillo and Mackenzie Campbell. The discussion addressed persistent gaps in personal protective equipment (PPE) design and availability, from improperly sized gloves to inconsistent fit testing. Speakers argued that these issues reflect deeper structural blind spots and called for stronger advocacy and better standards. Safety discussions continued with “Together in Safety, Both Mentally and Physically.” Panelists including Stephen Dummit, Stewart Wilder, NikKayla Simon and Jenifer Padgett addressed mental health in mining, including high suicide rates and the pressure to maintain toughness. The conversation focused on building cultures where workers can speak openly and leaders respond with empathy and accountability.The afternoon closed with a series of career-focused sessions. “Rebuilding from the Ground Up” examined leadership and operational change, while “Redefining Success When High Performance Isn’t Enough” explored navigating setbacks with Emily Sportsman and Sarah Barcelona. “Forging Mining Careers Beyond Traditional Centers,” led by Anastasia Xenaki, looked at opportunities outside established mining hubs. The day ended with “Sparkles After Dark” at the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, where attendees gathered among mineral exhibits for a dinner that served several types of regional cuisine. Wednesday began with a preview of the 2027 conference. The opening keynote, delivered by Cecile Thaxter, focused on leadership in uncertain environments. Drawing on experience at Newmont and Rio Tinto, she challenged attendees to reconsider whether their current approaches still fit evolving conditions. Using the Cynefin framework, she described how leaders must adapt across clear, complex and chaotic environments, often letting go of strategies that once defined success. The WIM Story Slam offered a different format to the conference, with speakers like Tew and Sportsman sharing personal experiences from across their careers. The session replaced slides with storytelling, focusing on resilience and growth. At the same time, “Empowering Women in Mining with Support Groups” highlighted programs at Capstone Copper’s Pinto Valley operation. Gabriela Castro-Smith, Brooke Hamlet, Skylie Estep and Julie Campuzano discussed mentorship, leadership development and strategies to retain the workforce. A case study session on the Greenbrier Smokeless Complex examined talent pipeline development through community partnerships and education programs. The afternoon shifted into interactive formats, including a board meeting, a mental health workshop led by Stephen Dummit of Tradewinds Leadership and a speed mentoring session. Evening programming focused on networking. The Course Connections student mixer at Corbett’s brought together students and industry professionals, and chapter meetups followed, including WIM Denver, Nevada, Idaho and Texas. The final day shifted into the field. After breakfast and closing remarks, attendees chose from a range of tours and workshops. Site visits included operations at Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Mine and Technology Center, Caterpillar Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center, Florence Copper and South32. A self-guided visit to Bisbee, AZ, was also offered, providing access to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and the town’s historic district. Additionally, attendees could attend a career advancement workshop or a self-defense class. The conference provided women a safe space where they could feel like the industry’s majority. As a crucial demographic in the industry, women, together, are mining to create a more inclusive and safe space.

From AI to mental health, 2026WIM USA addresses industry’s biggest challenges

Authored by: Carrie Smith

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