U.S. Copper Workshop

A Washington briefing on US critical minerals strategy, combining policy priorities for 2027 with Fastmarkets’ market outlook. Topics include strengthening domestic mining, processing and refining capacity; supply-chain gaps and overseas processing dependence; the effects of industrial policy, government support and market conditions on investment and commercial development; and the influence of defense and aerospace demand on sourcing, procurement and security of supply. The program also addresses trade relationships, geopolitical risk, international competition, prices, supply and demand, project economics, and the implications of policy and market developments for investment and procurement. Competitor attendance is subject to approval.

The program’s technical sessions cover environmental issues, geotechnical engineering, mineral processing, mining, Mexico-focused projects, geology, and new projects. Topics include Arizona’s WOTUS status; machine-learning-based representative sample selection; open-pit slope stabilization; alkaline-flush treatment of metals-impacted water; numerical mine modeling, geotechnical monitoring, and tailings-storage-facility stability; flotation technologies, ADR processes, and SAG mill sizing; mine-permitting timelines, pump failures, electrical maintenance, water treatment, and autonomous operations; and mineral resources, drilling confidence, tailings water balances, and mine-project development. Featured presentations address Resolution Copper’s next chapter and large-load electrical growth in Arizona. New-project updates cover the Santa Cruz Ivanhoe Mine, Florence Copper, Faraday Copper’s Redhawk Complex, and Hudbay CopperWorld. The program also includes a student poster session and a student pitch session. Pre-conference programming includes a course on proposed NI 43-101 disclosure changes and a Women in Mining workshop on boundary-setting skills.

An intensive workshop on projected electricity demand and expanding the supply of natural resources used to generate power. Topics include natural gas, geothermal development and repurposing oil and gas assets; hydrogen, uranium, lithium and critical minerals; and water, environmental, storage, site-selection and regulatory considerations. Program discussions cover grid shortfalls and raw materials for electricity generation, solutions for increasing electricity supply, geothermal, and technology including ORC, sensors and small nuclear reactors. Other sessions address AI prompts for grid and behind-the-meter planning; lithium direct lithium extraction (DLE) and hydrogen technologies; regulatory and legislative factors affecting geothermal, critical minerals, low-carbon energy, grids and data centers; and mining and oil-and-gas intersections, including near-surface imaging and copper for electricity transmission. The program also includes an AI prompt clinic focused on water, the environment, science and regulations.

A mining-investor forum focused on the outlook for metals, capital, and mining companies. The program includes in-person 1x1 meetings among investors, mining companies, and sell-side participants. The 2027 agenda and keynote and panel lineup are being built, with sessions and speakers to be added as confirmed. Attendance is by invitation.

The conference focuses on mining-related technologies and methods. Abstract topic areas include reclamation, mine operations, and water treatment. Attendees are eligible for Professional Development Hours based on class time.

The program combines technical and management sessions, exhibits, and presentations for foundry professionals, suppliers, casting designers, buyers, and OEM representatives. Topics include additive manufacturing, casting design and purchasing, engineering, environmental health and safety, ferrous and nonferrous alloys, Industry 4.0, marketing and sales, melting, molding, pouring, quality control, workforce development, and casting case studies, reshoring, material selection, and casting quality. The program also includes the Hoyt Memorial Lecture on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) and artificial intelligence for sustainable metalcasting. Its themes include alloy design, process innovation, digital manufacturing, workforce development, and using physics-based ICME with AI and machine learning to improve casting development, manufacturing processes, and prediction of microstructure, defects, and mechanical properties.

Conference content centers on issues affecting the Midwest minerals market, including ESG, processing innovation, plant maintenance optimization, safety, technology, market trends, and operational advancements. Technical sessions address mining-sector challenges and opportunities; an exhibit hall features products, services, and integrated solutions for mining operations.

The technical program covers mining research and operational innovation, including AI, robotics and automation; advanced process control and digital twins; mineral processing, metallurgy and critical minerals; and bulk material handling, transfer-chute engineering and dust mitigation. Presentations address rare-earth extractant modeling, nickel leaching, copper flotation, sensor drift in AI systems, and coal mining beneath water bodies. The program includes the Robert E. Murray Innovation Award Lecture and the Dreyer Lecture. Conference registration includes technical sessions, keynote sessions, poster sessions, digital technical preprints, and access to the Western Mining Summit and the expo.

Programming is organized around Learn and Connect tracks. Learn covers legal, regulatory, innovation, and economic forces shaping mining and minerals, including mining law, permitting, litigation trends affecting critical mineral exploration and development, executive strategy, risk management, workforce development, geopolitical pressures, legislation, and energy security. Connect includes an exhibit hall spanning engineering and consulting, legal and financial services, environmental and ESG advising, recruitment, technology, equipment, and exploration and development. Its Business Development Forum offers one-on-one company meetings focused on opportunities and potential partnerships.