Trendspotting from Tucson, Arizona, USA!

2023-10-17
Representatives from the swedish mining cluster and swedish SME’s participated at Sweden-USA Mining Conference in Tucson, Arizona. The purpose of the conference was to bridge connections between mining stakeholders from the US and Sweden. To get inspired, share knowledge and discuss business opportunities, focusing on sustainable mining development and technology innovation. But also to connect with leading solution providers across the entire mine value chain to exchange ideas and explore collaborative oppertunities to work toward the mining industry of the future.
Day 1
The first day was dedicated to site visits within the local mining ecosystem. We started at ASARCO/Grupo México and a tour of their Mission Complex and open-pit mine. The mine produces around 475 000 tons of concentrated copper per year. After that Komatsu welcomed us to their Arizona Proving Grounds and 69,000 square feet main prototype shop facility. Our last stop was San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory, one of the most sophisticated research hoisting system in the country and how they collaborate with the students from University of Arizona and the mining industry.
Day 2 
South32 located in the Patagonia Mountains and 1,5-hour drive from Tucson, was our first stop of the day. We made a site visit to their Hermosa project. The project is currently the only advanced mine development project in the US that could produce two federally designated critical minerals – manganese and zinc. We got an insight into what the process looks like and what issues are important when you want to start a mine in the US.
CAID, a division of Samuel, Son & Co. was next stop. CAID supports with equipment for mineral leaching, fabrication of grinding & flotation, services for crushing and conveying, pyrometallurgy, electrowinning, cathode manufacturing, solvent extraction, and fabrication of pressure vessels and tanks.

“It was very interesting, and they seem to be versatile. Their approach is broader than just the components they manufacture, and this gives the opportunity for customers to get a better system solution. Also, if you are interested in manufacturing a special component for instance in a research project, CAID could be a possible supplier”, says Anders Sand, Research Director at Boliden.

Day 3

Was all about collaboration for a Sustainable and Innovative Future of Mining.
Trendspotting and important topics from the attending stakeholders and global mining community;
💡Current and Future State of Mining Arizona.
💡Innovation to solve critical challenges for mines.
💡The digital connected mine of the future.
💡Electrification of the mine.
💡Advancement of Sustainability in Mining.
💡Propelling Innovation through Upskilling.


“The mining industry in USA is very collaborative. We work together” says David Travis, Vice President, Mine Planning at Freeport-McMoRan.


Host Organizations: 
Business Sweden, Sun Corridor Inc, The University of Arizona and
Swedish Mining Innovation.
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