The global gold industry will shine brighter than ever in February 2025 as the World Gold Conference makes its debut in the United States. Co-located with the MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo and the CMA’s 127th National Western Mining Conference, this landmark event will take place in Denver, CO, from Feb. 23–26, drawing professionals, investors, and innovators from across the globe.

“Having World Gold in the U.S. for the first time, we get to pull from a strong international presence to expand the focus outside of just the typical SME Annual Conference,” said Organizing Co-Chair Nick Gow. “Each country brings their own unique strengths and experiences to continue the long and rich history of gold mining.”

The conference aims to highlight both operational challenges and innovations in the gold sector, including the use of AI, advancements in extraction processes, and strategies for environmental and safety compliance. Additionally, it provides a platform for academic and industrial collaboration, featuring peer-reviewed technical sessions and networking opportunities for stakeholders in the gold mining ecosystem.

This debut is particularly significant, as the World Gold Conference has been a biennial gathering hosted by some of the most influential mining nations, including Australia, Canada, and South Africa, before the U.S. and China joined the rotation in 2021.

“I believe this is the first time that World Gold has been in the U.S.,” added Gow. “This is the 11th iteration of the conference. If we keep the same rotation/schedule, World Gold wouldn't be back to the U.S. until 2035.”

Attendees will experience a unique conference structure, with the ability to move freely between World Gold sessions and those offered by MINEXCHANGE and CMA. This integration allows participants to explore a wide range of topics without the constraints of choosing between programs, fostering a more dynamic and diverse learning environment. The World Gold Pavilion, a dedicated space within the conference, will feature exhibitors focused exclusively on gold, offering a specialized yet interconnected experience.

The conference’s technical sessions promise to address key challenges and opportunities shaping 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.

“Extended abstracts/papers are required as part of the submission to World Gold, which will all be compiled for the conference proceedings. The full program should be finalized soon,” Gow confirmed.

World Gold 2025 also offers two specialized short courses designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge. The first is Gold Processing Practice Fundamentals, Plant Operations and Optimization, taught by Jaeheon Lee of the Colorado School of Mines and Rob Dunne of Newmont.

“This course will provide in-depth insights into the essential aspects of gold processing and plant optimization,” said Gow.

The second is The International Cyanide Management Code: Principles and Logic Behind Its Requirements, led by Tito Campos of SmartAccEss SocioEnvironmental Consulting.

“This course will explore the principles and requirements of the International Cyanide Management Code, a crucial framework for responsible and sustainable gold mining practices,” Gow noted. “I am also looking forward to the technology advancements that are being proposed in the New Technologies session.”

Beyond its programming, the conference offers unparalleled networking opportunities and a chance to celebrate the rich history of mining in the U.S. A tour of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, hosted by SME Young Leaders, will highlight the enduring legacy of the industry, while offering a glimpse into its future.

By co-locating with MINEXCHANGE and CMA’s National Western Mining Conference, World Gold 2025 creates a vibrant and inclusive platform for participants to explore the entire mining value chain. This synergy ensures attendees will leave with not only new knowledge, but also strengthened connections and opportunities for collaboration.

For a nation whose gold mining history has played a pivotal role in shaping its economy, hosting the World Gold Conference is a monumental event. From groundbreaking research to innovations that will define the next chapter of the gold industry, the 2025 conference is set to be a transformative experience for all in attendance.