Day two of the 2025 SME Minnesota Conference is on the books.

Students, teachers, and mining professionals are enjoying this event, which offers educational and networking opportunities.

During the opening plenary, an update about challenges ahead, from leaders from the SME. A waning workforce, rapidly changing political landscapes, and AI are included.

There’s also large trade show where vendors share the latest equipment and services.

Christie Kearney was named 2025 Mining Professional of the Year.

The conference continues on Wednesday. Monday, people took tours to Minntac.