Why Utah
The right expertise. The right place. The right time.
At the University of Utah, generations of expertise in mining and minerals meet the resources and industries of the Intermountain West, the research capacity of a leading public research university and a growing ecosystem focused on strengthening America’s domestic critical minerals supply chain.
Utah itself is a critical part of that story. The state produced 10 critical minerals in 2025 and is the nation’s sole producer of beryllium concentrate and potassium sulfate. With approximately 600 permitted mineral operations statewide—and nationally significant mining, processing and mineral resources—Utah gives students and researchers a living laboratory for the future of America’s minerals economy.
Living Laboratory for America's Mineral Economy.
A Rare Combination
The University of Utah is one of only six ABET-accredited universities nationwide with comprehensive programs across all three primary critical engineering fields.
That combination creates an educational foundation few institutions on earth can replicate.
Utah is Our Classroom
Utah is home to 50 of the 60 current critical minerals (2025 list), 600+ permitted mineral operations, robust advanced manufacturing and developing technologies and leading aerospace and defense companies—all who rely on critical minerals.
That proximity creates opportunities to move learning beyond the classroom through field experiences, mine and facility visits, internships, applied research and direct engagement with industry.
For students, Utah becomes part of the education. For industry, the University becomes a source of talent.
Geologic Abundance
Utah is home to 50 of the 60 current U.S. critical minerals (2025 list), offering direct field accessibility.
Active Operations
Direct access for mine and facility visits, internships, applied field research, and site engineering testbeds.
Aerospace & Defense
Surrounded by leading defense contractors and tech hubs that actively rely on locally processed materials.
Industry Placement
For students, Utah is part of the education. For regional and national industry, the U is the premier talent source.
Institute for Critical & Strategic Minerals
The University of Utah’s Institute for Critical and Strategic Minerals (ICSM) brings together expertise from across the university to tackle critical minerals challenges that no single discipline can solve alone.
By connecting researchers and partners across discovery, extraction, processing, materials, manufacturing, recovery, and recycling, ICSM turns broad university capabilities into a coordinated critical minerals ecosystem—advancing research, strengthening industry partnerships, and creating new opportunities for the workforce.
"At the U, the critical minerals value
chain isn't something students simply study. It's something they can experience."