Future of Sustainable Mining and Critical Minerals
As the global demand for critical minerals intensifies, the University of Arizona is leading the national response—advancing technology, policy, and workforce development to ensure a secure and sustainable future.
In the News
Alumni couple's $1.5M gift strengthens U of A mining education when it matters most
A $1.5 million gift to the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering will increase opportunities for students and spur faculty research.
U of A hosts inaugural U.S. Mining Summit
The inaugural U.S. Mining Summit, held at the University of Arizona, rallied academic and business leaders around surging minerals demand amid unprecedented domestic challenges.
University-led mining consortium vying for NSF grant up to $160M
Collaborators envision Southern Arizona as the epicenter of a sustainable, high-tech, forward-looking industry.
Our Goals
- Secure U.S. mineral independence
- Expand domestic extraction and processing to reduce reliance on foreign sources and strengthen national security.
- Advance sustainability
- Drive innovation in tailings reclamation, mineral reuse, and circular economy practices to minimize environmental impact.
- Empower communities
- Expand access to education, training, and opportunity for Indigenous, rural, and regional populations.
- Fuel the clean energy economy
- Ensure reliable access to critical minerals that power green technologies and support the global energy transition.
Meet Our Team
Our renowned faculty are driving a new era of sustainable mining, placing Arizona at the center of national and global transformation.
$2.5M grant fuels workforce development through mining education
The grant will support the U of A in developing K-12 programs that educate teachers and students about responsible mining and inspire students to
pursue education and careers in the mining industry.
CDC awards $1.25M to U of A engineers retooling mine production and safety
With the help of AI and advancements in below-ground mapping, Department of Mining and Geological Engineering researchers are modernizing U.S. standards.
U of A mining innovation engine aims to build skilled domestic workforce
The Sustainable Mining Innovation and Lifestyle Enhancement Regional Innovation Engine (SMILE) proposal would secure up to $160 million over 10 years to advance environmentally responsible mining and manufacturing in Arizona.
Mining Society Recognizes Angelina Anani as Outstanding Young Professional
The associate professor of mining and geological engineering improves sustainability through emerging technologies and mentors young minds.
Critical Minerals Symposium Highlights Path to Domestic Supply Chain Security and Economic Growth
The U of A co-hosted the AZ Critical Minerals Symposium with global mining and metals company South32 to open a dialogue between the mining industry, government representatives, and academia about the pivotal role of critical minerals in Arizona.
University of Arizona mining, mineral expertise shines in Washington, D.C.
The university convened key leaders across government, industry and academia on Capitol Hill to discuss sustainable production and cultivating the next generation workforce
Congressional Western Caucus visits San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory
Members of the Congressional Western Caucus heard from students, U of A leaders and industry partners about challenges facing the mining industry, and the research initiatives and training programs preparing future miners to address them.
U of A climatologist explains how mining can be part of a sustainable future
In this Q&A, Joellen Russell gives a her perspective on sustainable mining practices, and why the university should be part of the sustainable mining discussion particularly in Arizona.
The Mine Comes to the Classroom
Angelina Anani places the University of Arizona’s mining classes among the nation’s first to incorporate virtual reality.
Mining Arizona's hidden treasure
Arizona researchers are partnering with the State Mine Inspector and mining community to find new ways to reuse copper tailings, the waste rock left behind after mining the ore.
Want meaningful work? Look to the bedrock of modern life
Komatsu experts in Tucson are leading efforts to modernize the mining industry through automation and cross-sector collaboration, helping shape the region into a global hub for mining innovation.
U of A leads conversation on mining’s future at social license summit
The University of Arizona hosted the Mining Social License Summit to foster dialogue on responsible mining, emphasizing community trust, sustainability, and the role of copper in the clean energy transition.