SME MINEXCHANGE returns to Utah 

by Donna Schmidt

Snow and skiing and mining – oh, my! Salt Lake City will once again play host to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration’s (SME) MINEXCHANGE conference and exposition from February 22-25 at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Thousands will return once again to the venue to visit with hundreds of exhibitors and take in presentations from experts across the mining industry on subjects such as coal and energy, environmental issues, health and safety, industrial minerals and more. Talks begin Monday afternoon, February 23, at 2 p.m. following the opening Dreyer Lecture at 1:40 p.m. and extend through Wednesday afternoon, February 25.

A number of signature lecturers and speakers are planned to take the podium, including an opening keynote from Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Rio Tinto Kennecott Managing Director Nate Foster. That conversation begins Monday at 8:30 a.m. Being held as part of the keynote session is the Robert E. Murray Innovation Lecture, entitled “Sustainable Copper Mining Flowsheets and the MissionZero Mine” from Lucy England, who serves as head of Capital Sales Business Development and European Sales & managing director FLSmidth (UK). Another keynote garnering a lot of attention is for the Coal and Energy division luncheon, where Warrior Met Coal CCO Charles Lussier will present “Warrior – Thriving Amid Uncertainty: Growing, Adapting and Innovating.”

The expo portion of the event, which is welcoming more than 800 booths, will officially open with a reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 22. Hall hours Monday and Tuesday are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and last-minute visits can be made Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

In addition to stopping by and visiting North American Mining magazine and the SEMCO Publishing team at Booth 2113, we encourage you to also take time to stop by the exhibits of some of NAM’s supporters.

ASTEC Industries – Booth 1606

ASTEC Industries brings proven performance and innovation to SME MINEXCHANGE 2026, showcasing a comprehensive lineup of equipment engineered to support mining operations from material sizing through bulk handling. With trusted brands including Gundlach Crushers, BTI, Jeffrey Rader, Pennsylvania Crusher, Tabor Vibratory Screens, and Telestack, Astec delivers rugged solutions for crushing, screening, feeding, and conveying across hard rock, coal, and industrial minerals applications. Designed for maximum uptime, simplified maintenance, and reliable throughput, Astec equipment helps operators meet today’s productivity, safety and sustainability demands.

Visit Booth 1606 to connect with the team and explore how integrated solutions and lifecycle support can help move your mining operation forward.

Eriez – Booth 2119

Eriez will be located at Booth 2119, where the company will highlight its latest advanced flotation technology: HydroFloat coarse particle flotation and column flotation.

Attendees can meet with Eriez specialists including Erich Dohm, Xinkai Jiang, and Melih Elseyh, who will be available to discuss mineral recovery and processing optimization solutions throughout the event.

Dyno Nobel – Booth 2011

Dyno Nobel looks forward to exhibiting at Booth 2011 at SME. Dyno Nobel will highlight their Drill to Mill approach, which helps mines optimize every step of their operations for value that compounds as the blasted material moves downstream. In one Drill to Mill project, the team created $58.1 million in added value for a large metals mine.

Dyno Nobel will also highlight their DigiShot Plus XR electronic detonators. DigiShot Plus XR detonators combine extreme shock and EMP resistance with high-accuracy timing for peak performance even in difficult conditions. They provide flexible timing options for complex and challenging blasting in both surface and underground applications, increased blast sizes, and better management of vibration-sensitive blasts.

Haver & Boecker Niagara – Booth 624

Haver & Boecker Niagara provides industry-leading preventative maintenance support with a full suite of Pulse diagnostic services for vibrating screens in aggregates and mining. As a leader in vibrating screen technology, Haver & Boecker Niagara designed the Pulse diagnostics suite specifically to monitor the health of vibrating screens and identify issues before they become critical, improving operations’ productivity and proficiency. The suite combines advanced vibration analysis, condition monitoring and impact testing to give aggregates and mining producers a more holistic view of their individual machines and allow them to maximize uptime and screening efficiency through planned maintenance.

The Pulse diagnostics portfolio includes Pulse Vibration Analysis, Pulse Condition Monitoring and the Pulse Impact Test. Each diagnostic option offers unique insight into machine performance and health. Visit Haver & Boecker Niagara at MINEXCHANGE at Booth 624.

Innovative Wireless Technologies (IWT) – Booth 1231

IWT is the industry leader in underground wireless networks. Its systems are comprised of integrated components working together to build an overall reliable network that increases safety, efficiency and productivity.

New at SME MINEXCHANGE 2026 will be the SENTINEL Fiber Gateway Node, which provides direct connectivity to fiber and Wi-Fi, and the SENTINEL Wireless Ventilation Monitor (WVM) for remote monitoring of critical airflow. Be sure to see demos of the new IWT Analytics Platform and the Guardian Proximity System featuring game-changing detection technology. Communications, tracking, data, sensors, tailings management, wireless atmospheric monitoring and more – stop by the leaders in wireless to see how IWT can help your mine improve safety and productivity.

J.H. Fletcher – Both 1331

Visit Fletcher’s booth to see the next step in underground workforce training with the debut of its new 3035-AD Remote Bolter Simulator. Built to help improve operator readiness and strengthen safety practices, the 3035-AD delivers realistic remote bolting procedures in a controlled environment.

With true-to-life controls and immersive scenarios, teams can practice critical skills, refine techniques, and build confidence before heading underground. The simulator supports consistent onboarding and repeatable training, helping operations reduce risk exposure while improving performance and productivity. Whether you’re upgrading your machine learning program or exploring new technology for your crews, the Fletcher team is ready to walk you through the benefits and features. Stop by for a live demo and experience the 3035-AD firsthand.

Komatsu – Booth 1919

Komatsu is proud to support MINEXCHANGE 2026 and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration as the industry comes together to advance the future of mining. As a global leader in mining equipment, technologies and solutions, Komatsu is committed to enabling safer, more productive and more sustainable operations.

Developing the next generation of miners and engineers is central to Komatsu Mining Technologies’ Talent initiatives. In support of SME’s scholarship and educational mission, Komatsu is contributing equipment models to the silent auction and participating in the MINEXCHANGE Gala. Please take time to visit Komatsu on the show floor to experience its booth featuring Mine Site Technologies and Immersive Technologies, including a hands-on simulator of the company’s mining equipment.

McLanahan – Booth 2125

McLanahan will highlight its latest advancements in mineral processing technologies and tailored solutions designed to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and enhance sustainability across mining operations.

McLanahan’s presence at the event will feature the patents-pending QUICKCHANGE rapid filter cloth changeout system for the first time at a mining show in North America. The system enables operators to replace filter cloths safely and efficiently from ground level. Cloths slide smoothly in and out of the top of the filter plate, removing the need for special lifting equipment or for personnel to climb inside or onto the filter press. This innovative design simplifies both cloth replacement and plate inspection, helping operations boost efficiency and minimize downtime. Live demonstrations will be available throughout the show, giving attendees the opportunity to try the system themselves and experience the ease and practicality of this technology firsthand.

McLanahan’s team of experts and process engineers will be on hand to discuss the complete line of mineral processing solutions and how they can fit your site. Representatives will also be available to discuss the company’s lifecycle support services, including field service, parts and process optimization programs.

Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI) – Booth 1218

With over 45 years of experience, PPI is a trusted industry leader in conveyor components, supporting distributors and end users through an extensive network of facilities across North and South America. When conveyors go down, productivity stops – customers rely on PPI’s inventory depth, manufacturing capacity, and expertise to get operations back up and running fast.

Visit Booth 1218 to meet the PPI team and learn how its experts can help identify the right conveyor components for your specific application and performance needs.

Schurco Slurry – Booth 627

Schurco Slurry will be exhibiting at SME MINEXCHANGE at Booth 627, where the team will be available to discuss OEM replacement and aftermarket slurry pump solutions for mining operations. Schurco Slurry supplies a full range of horizontal and vertical slurry pumps and replacement parts designed to match OEM fit and performance, with material options including HI-Chrome, stainless, and duplex stainless steels, as well as elastomers such as urethane, natural rubber, neoprene, Hypalon, and butyl.

Attendees are encouraged to connect with the Schurco Slurry team to discuss parts availability, wear challenges, and long-term maintenance strategies, as well as the company’s in-house Repair and Exchange Programs, which support predictable maintenance planning and reduce downtime without the need for on-site spare inventory.

Strata Worldwide – Booth 2124

Strata is well known for its proven technologies in safety, communication, networking, and support in underground mining, and these solutions will be highlighted at the show. They are also showcasing their comprehensive line of specialty solutions grouting products, which are grouts, polymers, and resins specifically engineered to provide structural support in excavations and effective water control in challenging ground conditions. They invite you to stop by and connect.

Van der Graaf (VDG) – Booth 1127

Explore the inner workings of VDG’s GrizzlyDrive Drum Motor at SME 2026 and discover the cost-saving and performance benefits. With all vital components enclosed within the drive drum and built for 80,000 hours of operation before maintenance, the GrizzlyDrive Drum Motor provides safe, efficient, and reliable operation, maintaining long-term durability under the harshest of environments. Manufacturing drum motors for over 40 years, VDG continues to develop proprietary cutting-edge innovation and excellence in drum motor technology. Learn more about VDG’s latest drive solutions for mining and aggregate belt conveyors including GrizzlyDrive Drum Motor, the VDG Belt Cleaner and unique lagging options showcased at SME Booth 1127.

Show Floor Hours
Sunday, Feb. 22 — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 23 — 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 25 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.