Why attend MINEXCHANGE? A personal reflection on SME’s flagship event

As SME prepares for another MINEXCHANGE SME Conference & Expo, set to take place Feb. 22-26, 2026 in Salt Lake City, UT, it is a great time to revisit a familiar question: Why attend MINEXCHANGE?While the reasons are numerous and vary widely across the diverse professionals who attend each year, I would like to share the personal motivations that have kept me coming back for the past 15 years and offer a glimpse into what lies ahead for the upcoming conference. More than a conference MINEXCHANGE is more than just a conference. It is a convergence of professionals from every corner of the mining industry, bringing together a wealth of knowledge, experience and innovation. For nearly a week, attendees immerse themselves in technical sessions, explore cutting-edge solutions in the exhibit hall, and engage in meaningful networking. It is a rare opportunity in which operators, academics, students and industry leaders gather in a focused environment to exchange ideas, solve problems and build lasting connections. My journey into the mining industry began nearly two decades ago. With a background in chemistry, I did not initially envision a career in mining. But my first job out of college was with a major mining company, and it did not take long to realize that this was the path I wanted to follow. Early on, I was encouraged to get involved with SME, attending local section meetings and, eventually, the annual MINEXCHANGE conference. Professionally rewarding, personally fulfilling My first experience was in 2010 in Phoenix, AZ, and I was immediately struck by the scale of the event, the depth of the technical content and the sheer number of professionals in attendance. That first conference left a lasting impression, and I have been attending almost every year since. Over time, my involvement with SME deepened. I transitioned into metallurgy, earned a graduate degree in metallurgical engineering, and began contributing to the conference not just as an attendee, but as a presenter and planner. Within the Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division (MPD), I joined technical unit committees, collaborating with other professionals to shape the technical sessions that form the backbone of the conference. This engagement has been both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling. Technical programming Looking ahead to MINEXCHANGE 2026, there is much to be excited about. The conference will feature a special session honoring Jan Miller, a distinguished professor from the University of Utah whose contributions to mineral processing have left a lasting legacy. The MPD technical program will include sessions on chemical processing, comminution, flotation, physical separations and plant design. Topics will range from innovative mineral processing techniques and selective separations to coarse particle flotation and complex circuit challenges. A panel discussion on flotation equipment advancements and another on processing plant commissioning promise to offer valuable insights from experienced professionals. MPD luncheon and student poster contest Students will find MINEXCHANGE especially rewarding. MPD hosts events tailored to student engagement, including the MPD Student Poster Contest, which showcases graduate and undergraduate research. Participants present their work to a panel of judges, with cash prizes awarded and each contestant receiving a ticket to the MPD Luncheon. This luncheon is a highlight of the conference, featuring a keynote speaker and recognition of outstanding contributions from both students and professionals. Social events Beyond the technical content, the social events add another layer of value. One of my personal favorites is the MPD Scotch Nightcap, held on Tuesday evening. It is a relaxed gathering where attendees can enjoy a curated selection of whiskeys while listening to live music from the Bass Metals Band, with some of band members made up of metallurgists from MPD. It is a perfect example of the camaraderie and community that MINEXCHANGE fosters. Professional development In closing, I hope I have helped answer the question: Why attend MINEXCHANGE? For me, it has been a cornerstone of my professional development and a source of inspiration year after year.Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, MINEXCHANGE offers something for everyone. I encourage you to be part of this incredible event, and I look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City in February.

Why attend MINEXCHANGE? A personal reflection on SME’s flagship event

Authored by: Zachery Zanetell

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