University of Arizona pitches mining‑technology incubator, DOE pilot plant proposal

Craig Luxbacher, executive director and chair of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources at the University of Arizona, told the Science and Technology Committee the university is positioned to accelerate mining‑technology innovation and workforce training in Arizona.

Luxbacher outlined a multi‑part vision anchored at the university's San Xavier Mine in Southern Arizona. He said the university has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy requesting $40,000,000 to develop an additional 2,500 linear feet of tunnel to test automated mining equipment, microgrid‑based power systems and a modular pilot processing plant. "We have a current proposal into the DOE, $40,000,000 to develop an additional 2,500 linear feet of tunnel," Luxbacher said.

He told members the university received $850,000 in state funding this fiscal year to start a pilot plant and that lawmakers Gallego and Kelly followed with $3,000,000 to complete work on the pilot processing site. Luxbacher described applications for automation, co‑production of critical minerals, tailings re‑mining, and workforce development that would use the pilot facilities.

Luxbacher described programs that train miners, including a one‑week residential "Miner 101" course run with Resolution Copper, and noted partnerships with major original‑equipment manufacturers — Komatsu, Sandvik and Caterpillar — to test equipment in a research setting. He also highlighted research on heat‑stress monitoring and image processing to improve slope stability and safety.

Members asked technical and policy questions about microgrids, tariffs and federal permitting. Luxbacher said federal policy and price guarantees can help derisk large processing investments and emphasized a networked approach that would include community colleges, vocational programs and industry partnerships.

Luxbacher said he expects to hear about the DOE decision in roughly one month and asked for continued legislative support for incubator and training efforts at the university.

The presentation included references to the San Xavier Mine, the State Mine Inspector and industry partnerships; members did not take formal action on the university's requests during this session.