Inside MINEXCHANGE 2025: Industry innovations, insights and future trends

The MINEXCHANGE 2025 SME Annual Conference & Expo took place Feb. 23-26 in the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO, bringing together professionals from across the mining and minerals industry for a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovations. The conference extended over three days, showcasing an exhibit hall featuring a plethora of booths, gadgets, innovations and industry knowledge set against an informative and compelling program of keynote, plenary and technical sessions, short courses, and social and off-site events. Artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry The conference kicked off with a high-energy keynote session led by business executive and artificial intelligence (AI) strategist Terry Jones on “AI: Innovation and Disruption — The Path Forward,” which offered insights into how AI can revolutionize traditional mining practices. Sponsored by South32, the conference commenced with remarks from South32’s chief executive officer Pat Risner, followed by Colorado Mining Association president Adam Eckman and 2024 SME President Mark Herpfer. Once the stage was set, Jones took the audience on a deep dive into the transformative power of AI and its implications for the mining industry. Jones, a pioneer in travel technology with a background at American Airlines, Travelocity and Kayak, captivated the audience with an engaging narrative on innovation, disruption and connectivity. He set the tone with a storytelling approach, referencing Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises to illustrate how change often happens gradually, then suddenly. AI, he argued, is that kind of change, gradual in its development but now at the tipping point of revolutionizing industries, including mining. Jones pointed to the fundamental ways AI has already reshaped industries, from ridesharing to hospitality, and emphasized how mining is next in line for disruption. Despite being the third most impacted sector, mining remains behind in AI investment, presenting a critical opportunity for those ready to embrace change. AI has been around for decades, but Jones outlined three key enablers of its recent explosive growth. Computing power has surged, allowing AI models to process and interpret complex data sets quickly. He mentioned that its ability to collect, store and analyze vast amounts of information has grown exponentially, giving rise to complex generative and agentic AI systems. Jones stressed the importance of data integration, explaining that AI is most valuable when it can synthesize unstructured data to provide insights and make informed predictions. Contributing to the forefront of modern technology, mining companies are beginning to implement AI to enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability. Jones highlighted real-world examples of AI in action, such as AI-driven autonomous systems reducing human exposure to hazardous environments, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled predictive analytics preventing costly downtimes, methane sniffing drones improving environmental safety and Holcim’s AI-powered concrete ordering system. He also touched on the growing role of AI in customer service, supply-chain management and 3D printing. Mining companies, he argued, should look beyond their industry and “connect the dots” from other sectors where AI has already driven substantial transformation. While AI offers immense potential, Jones acknowledged the challenges that come with adoption, including outdated or incomplete data sets, cybersecurity risks, workforce transitions and the need for thoughtful implementation into business models. He closed with a challenge to the audience: “AI is going to be in everything. How will you put it in your enterprise?” Jones’ insights serve as a powerful reminder that AI is not just a tool for efficiency, it is a game changer poised to redefine the mining industry. The AI discussion continued during the SME Health & Safety Division Awards Breakfast when Matt Law, a leader in public health, environmental health, occupational safety, security, business continuity and sustainability, spoke about AI and its health and safety applications. Law, an experienced researcher and speaker with extensive AI experience, provided a comprehensive overview of AI before speaking about how AI can help health and safety professionals improve their processes as well as providing guidance for the use of AI. “AI is not going to fix bad data,” said Law. “If you have bad model training, or if you are already doing compensating the wrong way, AI is going to learn that and build on that and you will continue to have the same problems.” While some feel that AI poses significant danger, Law said he sees a future that can be brighter, and a workplace that can be safer if AI is implemented the correct way. “We have to be the ones who are going to guide that process, and we need to make sure those models are built correctly, and we do that by being consumers of that technology,” he said. For health and safety specifically, Law said AI can be used for accident prevention through the detection of anomalies. He said health and safety professionals will be able to improve their ability to predict risks with AI because it can do the analysis quicker and better, which in turn will help create a risk matrix. Spotlight on women in mining The second day of MINEXCHANGE 2025 commenced on Feb. 25 with an inspiring gathering at the Women in SME Breakfast. The event was a celebration of achievements, a tribute to pioneers and a call to action for greater inclusivity within the sector, forming a backdrop for empowerment, reflection and progress for women in the mining industry. The breakfast began with a video presentation from FLS, offering insight into its contributions to the mining industry. Among those featured was Margen Gerty, who spoke passionately about the company’s mission and impact. Allison Kopal, who opened the breakfast presentation, set the stage for a morning filled with heartfelt tributes and dynamic discussions. She introduced the Cindy Moore Courageous Impact Award, an honor dedicated to the late Cindy Moore, who battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To ensure her legacy continues, Hecla Mining Co. established the award, recognizing individuals who embody resilience and positive influence. Joanne Robertson, this year’s recipient, was soundly applauded for her contributions to the industry. Next, the WAAIME Founders Award was presented to Zenovia Kunasz, whose inspiring journey was shared with the audience. Kunasz spoke about her upbringing, reflecting on how her parents endured hardships during the Soviet War. Upon receiving her award, she humbly stated that she shares the honor with everyone who has supported her journey. A poignant moment followed with a tribute to the late Rebecca Bweupe-Siwale. Through a heartfelt speech given by Line-Audrey Nkule, who works for Caterpillar Inc. and was originally from Cameroon, the attendees honored Bwuepe-Siwale’s generosity, leadership and deep impact. Nkule, with tears in her eyes, described Bwuepe-Siwale as a generous soul who was the “work mom” she needed. A memorial book was placed at a center table, located at the back of the room, for attendees to leave messages in Bwuepe-Siwale’s honor. The breakfast also served as a platform to launch the Rebecca Bweupe-Siwale Memorial Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting women in mining. Donations collected during the event will help provide scholarships to students, including Bwuepe-Siwale’s eldest daughter, who is excelling academically while caring for her younger siblings. The focus then shifted to the future, as discussions centered around empowering and retaining women in the mining workforce. Kopal engaged attendees in an interactive exercise, prompting them to describe in 12 words what needs to improve to retain more women in the industry. The responses — ranging from “connection” and “community” to “trust” and “mentorship” — highlighted critical areas for change. Keynote speaker Sharon Saffold Harris took the stage with an eye-opening address on the challenges and opportunities for women in mining. She began with a powerful question: “How many women have you referred to work in mining?” Attendees were encouraged to reflect and discuss with their neighbors. Harris shared findings from a study she helped design, which included interviews with women in the field. One common response to the question of women’s visibility in mining was that women in the industry are often hidden. Harris emphasized the need to break this silence and actively support one another. “Mining will get better when we all do better. Let’s walk each other home,” said Harris.Her address touched on vital themes, including mentorship, marketing and the “double economy” women navigate — balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Harris urged the audience to take charge. The breakfast concluded with an engaging Q&A session using Slido, sparking insightful table discussions on what companies, men and allies can do to improve retention and inclusion in mining. As Harris aptly put it, “Every woman in mining is tough,” given the industry’s current circumstances, but with strong networks, mentorship and company support, toughness does not have to mean going it alone. With the Women in SME Breakfast setting a high bar, MINEXCHANGE’s second day continued with a renewed commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive industry. The message was clear: the future of mining will be stronger when women are empowered, valued and given the opportunities they deserve. Robust technical programming MINEXCHANGE featured robust technical programs throughout each day, encompassing a wide range of sessions that addressed the latest research, technological advancements and best practices in mining. These topics included bulk material handling, environmental considerations, health and safety, mineral processing and exploration strategies, as well as gold-specific presentations. Each session provided valuable opportunities for professionals to deepen their knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions on critical industry issues. From AI-driven fleet management to the revolutionary potential of 3D printing in mining, the conference provided valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of the sector. Presenters from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, explored the application of 3D printing in mining during their presentation titled “3D printing in mining, A Use-Case,” highlighting its potential for on-demand spare part manufacturing. The ability to print parts directly on site offers operational efficiency but comes with challenges, including high production costs, material quality concerns and the need for specialized technical expertise. Despite these hurdles, this technology promises improved material quality and the ability to meet on-site demands swiftly. A team from the Colorado School of Mines and McGill University discussed the design and implementation of AI-based fleet management systems in openpit mines in their presentation titled “Design, development and implementation of operational fleet management systems using adaptive artificial intelligence techniques.” Traditional dispatch-based methods often yield suboptimal results, prompting the need for goal-weight rearrangement via AI frameworks. By applying adaptive intelligence, mining operations can enhance efficiency and optimize decision-making in fleet management. In one of the World Gold-focused technical sessions, GeoGlobal LLC revisited distal disseminated gold-silver deposits in Nevada, emphasizing their exploration potential, in their presentation titled “Revisiting distal disseminated gold silver deposits in Nevada: opportunities for future exploration.” These deposits, often associated with polymetallic plutonic rocks and Carlin-type sediment-hosted formations, present new opportunities for resource extraction. The research focused on geological characteristics, mineralization controls, and the need for deeper exploration to unlock their full potential. Another gold-focused session featured gold-rich asteroids and examined the economic and scientific implications of extraterrestrial mining. Researchers from Peru analyzed asteroid compositions, particularly Psyche 16, a metal-rich asteroid potentially containing vast amounts of gold, platinum and other precious metals, in their session titled “Analysis of the composition of gold-rich asteroids: Implications for space exploration and the global economy.” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Psyche Mission, launched in 2023, aims to study the asteroid’s structure and magnetic field, providing insights into planetary ore formation. Despite the immense economic potential, challenges such as mining in low-gravity environments and ethical concerns regarding space resource ownership remain significant. In addition to these technical sessions, Newmont’s mine control maturity assessment underscored the transition toward data-driven underground operations in their session titled “Mine control maturity assessment: Establishing the guidelines for underground operations to become data driven.” The discussion highlighted key success factors, such as domain expertise, the integration of various data types and the necessity of framing the right questions. The session also addressed concerns about the misuse of AI tools, emphasizing the need for responsible implementation to avoid inaccurate risk assessments. A novel approach to workforce improvement was also presented through the integration of the metaverse and AI in mining training, in the session titled “A Novel Approach to Workforce Improvement Using the MetaVerse Turning AI into IA (Intelligence Amplification).” The platform simulates realistic work environments, allowing employees to develop problem-solving skills through immersive experiences. Combining deep learning with AI-driven analytics, the system provides tailored assessments and adaptive learning paths. This innovation aims to amplify workforce intelligence and improve safety and efficiency in mining operations. In addition to the technical sessions, attendees had the chance to participate in interactive workshops and short courses, further enhancing their professional development.The expansive exhibit hall showcased the latest products, services and integrated solutions from leading industry vendors, offering a firsthand look at innovations designed to make mining operations smarter, safer and more efficient. MINEXCHANGE 2025 served as a vital forum for professionals to exchange ideas, explore cutting-edge technologies and discuss sustainable mining solutions, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone event in the mining industry’s calendar.

Inside MINEXCHANGE 2025: Industry innovations, insights and future trends

Authored by: William Gleason, Carrie Smith

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Get your SME Foundation VIP Access Conference Pass to MINEXCHANGE 2027

“Check the box” and help support the SME Foundation

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

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