Meet the future of mining at MINEXCHANGE 2025

The MINEXCHANGE 2025 SME Annual Conference & Expo, scheduled for Feb. 23–26, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO, is poised to be a pivotal event for mining professionals worldwide. Co-located with World Gold 2025, this year’s conference offers attendees an enriched experience with a focus on the gold sector. “What’s great about MINEXCHANGE is that everyone will be able to find a plethora of programming that’s of particular interest to them,” said program chair Jayson Ripke. “You’re surrounded by people as excited and passionate about the mining industry as you.” Robust program The conference agenda is robust, featuring a comprehensive technical program that spans three days of cross-industry sessions. These sessions are designed to provide insights into the latest innovations and practices in the mining industry. Additionally, pre-conference short courses are available for those looking to deepen their knowledge of specific industry topics. “This year’s conference will be different from others in the past since the technical sessions developed by the divisions have the latest and greatest information that we’re all interested in. Having the World Gold 2025 co-located with MINEXCHANGE is new,” said Ripke. World Gold will play a significant role in this year’s conference, discussing the future of the gold industry, from advances in geometallurgy and sustainable mining practices, to blockchain applications in gold as a digital asset. A robust program of 50 peer-reviewed papers presented across eight sessions will provide attendees with cutting-edge insights into the latest research and technologies. The exhibit hall at MINEXCHANGE will showcase new products, comprehensive services and integrated solutions from some of the biggest names in the mining industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen in on a variety of lectures, with topics ranging from technological advances, transformative practices, professional developments and more. “The goal of this year’s program committee was achieved by having the program chairs for each division work with their associated unit committees to identify the best possible session topics that provide value to SME members,” said Ripke. Keynote on AI Author and business executive Terry Jones will kick off the conference on Monday, Feb. 24, with his keynote talk on “AI: Innovation and Disruption — The Path Forward.” Jones, a technology pioneer instrumental in creating the trillion-dollar e-commerce travel industry, brings a wealth of experience in innovation and digital transformation. In his address, Jones will explore how artifical intelligence (AI) technologies — including machine learning, predictive analytics and automation — are revolutionizing traditional mining practices by enhancing efficiency, safety and sustainability. He will discuss the integration of AI in optimizing mineral extraction processes and resource management, as well as its role in reducing human risk through automation in hazardous environments. Attendees can expect insights into strategies for incorporating AI into organizational structures, addressing data challenges associated with AI implementation, assessing workforce impacts due to AI advancements and more. The keynote session promises to provide valuable perspectives on leveraging AI to drive innovation while addressing environmental concerns and operational challenges in an increasingly competitive market. Signature lecturers The conference will also feature signature lecturers and lunch speakers each day of the conference. On Monday, world-renowned porphyry copper geologist and economic geologist Jose A. Perello will speak about high-grade hypogene porphyry copper deposits. Shortly after, the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division (MPD) will hold its MPD plenary session, featuring lectures by the Antoine M. Gaudin, Robert H. Richard and Milton E. Wadsworth award recipients. These topics will range from nano science and the production of heavy oil to particle flotation technology and metal extraction and recovery.“For the MPD, “critical minerals processing and refining” and “full valorization of ore bodies through byproduct recovery” emerged as key themes across all sessions,” said Ripke. On Tuesday at the Women of SME Breakfast, Ph.D. student and graduate assistant Sharon Saffold will discuss how to empower and retain women in the mining industry. Later in the day, the Environmental Division Lunch will feature speaker Kimberly Finke Morrison, president of Morrison Solutions, who will discuss transformation tailings. Simultaneously, Brad Estes, senior vice president of Construction Materials and Granite Construction and Jopel Galassini, executive vice president of Commercial Cement and Cemex will speak at the Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division Lunch while Paul Vining, chairman of the board of the Fraizer Quarry, will speak at the Coal & Energy Division Lunch. At the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division Lunch on Wednesday, Michael D.S. Blois, director of development at Orion Resource Partners and an expert on innovative mining technology, will discuss the application of contingency in the development of new technologies. Meanwhile, Mining & Exploration Lunch speaker Ronald Parratt, principal at Renaissance Exploration and a geologist expert with direct involvement in the discovery of Rabbit Creek (now Twin Creeks), will discuss the exploration and cultivation of gold deposits in Nevada. “A guideline that we like to follow is then for each session chair to build their dream session (program) by asking themselves: ‘Within your area of expertise, what papers and authors do you most want to see?’ Those are the kind of sessions that provide value to the audience and draw the crowds,” said Ripke. Networking events Tacking onto the plethora of invigorating activities at MINEXCHANGE, delegates can attend the MPD’s Scotch Nightcap and Student Poster Contest, as well as the Health & Safety Division’s 5k run. Networking is a cornerstone of MINEXCHANGE, with numerous functions planned to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of professional relationships. Attendees can look forward to engaging with industry leaders, educators and innovators, expanding their professional networks in a dynamic environment. Comprehensive platform MINEXCHANGE 2025 is set to deliver a comprehensive platform for professional development, technological advancements and insight into industry growth. Continuously building on the development of the mining industry, MINEXCHANGE provides a place for all individuals to come together and create a positive change for society. “As the world evolves, mining, mineral processing and exploration are adapting to meet society’s needs,” said Ripke. “The future of mining includes innovation with artificial intelligence, renewable energy, increasing automation and digitization.” Join SME and other professionals for a must-attend event, committed to meeting the needs of civilization through mining.

Meet the future of mining at MINEXCHANGE 2025

Authored by: Carrie Smith

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