University of Arizona School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources

Poster Day is here! 🎓⛏️
Join the University of Arizona’s School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources for a showcase of innovation, research, and real-world impact. From cutting-edge technologies to industry collaboration, this event connects ideas with action.
📍 San Xavier Mine
🗓️ April 24, 2026
⏰ 12–1:30 p.m.
📲 Scan the QR code and register to participate!

Another great news story! "College employees shore up Arizona’s academic-to-industry pipeline in key economic sectors. The School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources received $3 million in federal funding to build a pilot mineral processing facility aimed at strengthening the state’s mining workforce." More here:

2026 College Awards celebrate record-breaking faculty, staff 2026 College Awards celebrate record-breaking faculty, staff April 8, 2026 Alexandra Pere As facilities and programs grow, employees support a thriving student body. Image Leadership award winner Cori Dennis poses with colleagues from the academic affairs office at the 2026 College of Engineering Aw...

Great news to start off the week: U of A alumni crush competitors at international mining games! "Mining students and alumni from five countries keep the old ways alive: laying railroad track, drilling rock in two different ways, sawing timber, land surveying, panning for gold, and racing mine carts." Full story here:

U of A alumni crush competitors at international mining games U of A alumni crush competitors at international mining games Wednesday Alexandra Pere Mining students and alumni from five countries keep the old ways alive: laying railroad track, drilling rock in two different ways, sawing timber, land surveying, panning for gold, and racing mine carts. Image In....

University of Arizona hosted a roundtable with and regional leaders to discuss the unique water challenges facing our communities, the importance of recognizing copper as a critical mineral, and key priorities for Arizona’s ranching sector.
Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for engaging directly with stakeholders across AZ-06.

Arizona stands at the heart of U.S. mineral security, producing over 60% of the nation’s copper that powers energy, defense, and technology.

At the University of Arizona’s Mining and Mineral Resources program, the next generation of mining leaders is being trained to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry.

Special thanks to and for supporting the future of mining and education.

⛏️🔥 Day 1 Highlights: 48th Annual Mining Games 🔥⛏️

What a start to the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games in Tucson!

These photos capture just a glimpse of the action, where precision meets grit, and tradition meets the future of mining. Students from across the country brought skill, teamwork, and determination to every event.

👏 Incredible work by all the competitors today. We’re just getting started!

⛏️🔥 Copper Queens in action! 🔥⛏️

The University of Arizona School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources women’s team—“The Copper Queens”—bring skill, focus, and intensity to the field at the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games.

From precision to teamwork, these competitors are putting their training to the test and representing the future of mining with confidence and grit. 💪

This is what the next generation of mining leaders looks like.

🚒⛏️ Keeping our competitors safe at the Mining Games! ⛏️🚒

A big thank-you to the Helmet Peak Fire Department for taking such great care of our students during the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games.

From preparation to response readiness, their presence helps ensure a safe and successful event for everyone involved. We’re grateful for their partnership and support! 👏

🎙️⛏️ Live from the 48th Annual Mining Games! ⛏️🎙️

Kray Luxbacher, executive director of the University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources, joined Scott Shields of on the podcast—recorded on-site at this year’s Mining Games.

From workforce development to the future of mining innovation, the conversation highlights the energy, collaboration, and industry engagement that make this event so special.

It’s a great example of what happens when students, industry leaders, and educators come together to shape the future of mining!

⛏️ The Mining Games Are Here—Thank You to Our Sponsors! ⛏️

The 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games kick off today in Tucson, Arizona—and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our sponsors.

From our Title Sponsor, Komatsu, to our Opening Ceremonies Sponsor, CalPortland, and the many industry leaders supporting this event at every level—your partnership makes this tradition possible.

Because of you, students from across the country are coming together this week to compete, collaborate, and showcase the skills, teamwork, and determination that define the future of mining.

From time-honored events to innovative challenges like Man vs. Machine, the Mining Games celebrate both the heritage and evolution of our industry—and your support helps bring it all to life.

👏 Thank you for investing in mining education, workforce development, and the next generation of mining professionals.

We’re excited to see everyone out on the field this week—let the games begin! 🏆⛏️

Exciting news! Mining leader and University of Arizona alumnus Timothy Snider joined the National Academy of Engineering’s 2026 class of members, earning one of the highest professional honors for engineers in the U.S. Full story:

National Academy of Engineering elects Timothy Snider to 2026 class National Academy of Engineering elects Timothy Snider to 2026 class Today Jason Gelt, the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources The professional engineering organization honors mining-industry veteran Timothy Snider for developing low-cost mineral-extraction methods. Image Longtime mini...