Industry, government, and academic leaders are gathering at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Wednesday, November 4, and Thursday, November 5, 2026, for the inaugural Intermountain Critical Minerals Summit, held in conjunction with the 111th annual Utah Mining Association convention.
National Security and Economic Focus
The summit and convention aim to address the technologies, policies, workforce development, and investment opportunities that are currently shaping the future of critical minerals in the United States. The event brings together stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and national laboratories to collaborate on solutions for strengthening domestic supply chains.
University Partnership and Research
The University of Utah is partnering with the Utah Mining Association to host the new summit. University President Taylor Randall stated that the gathering comes at a pivotal moment for critical minerals and noted that the partnership helps build the talent pipeline needed for the industry. "Together with our partners, we are building the talent pipeline America needs. Built in Utah. Built for America," Randall said.
New Research Institute Launched
The University of Utah recently launched the Institute for Critical and Strategic Minerals, an organization focused on expanding sustainable and domestic critical minerals supply chains through research, education, and workforce development. The institute unites expertise from three different colleges and disciplines, including science, engineering, business, law, and policy, to advance research across the entire mineral lifecycle, from initial discovery to recycling.
Utah's Mineral Production Role
Utah plays a significant role in the national mining landscape. The state is home to 50 of the 60 minerals listed on the 2025 U.S. Department of the Interior's Critical Minerals List. Additionally, Utah hosts more than 600 permitted mineral operations and is one of only two copper smelters in the country. The state also serves as the nation's sole producer of potassium sulfate and beryllium concentrate, and produced 10 different critical minerals in 2025.
Summit Program and Keynotes
The summit's agenda includes several high-profile participants and panels. On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the program features an opening keynote from Governor Spencer J. Cox, followed by a luncheon keynote from Congressman Burgess Owens. Discussions scheduled for the first day include panels on economic and national security, workforce pipelines, critical minerals processing, and federal policy regarding the path from discovery to production.
Day Two Agenda Highlights
The second day of the event, Thursday, November 5, 2026, features a keynote from University President Taylor Randall and a fireside chat between Randall and Dr. Jud Virden, the Director of the National Laboratory of the Rockies. Scheduled discussions for Thursday include the role of national laboratories and universities in turning research into U.S. capability, as well as building America's critical minerals supply chains.
Engineering and Workforce Training
The University of Utah is one of only six universities in the nation with ABET-accredited programs in all three primary mining-critical engineering fields: metallurgical, mining, and geological engineering. These programs provide students with proximity to industrial partners and active mines, offering opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and applied research. Attendees of the summit also have the option to participate in industry and campus site visits on Friday, November 6, 2026.
