48th Annual International Collegiate Mining Games

48th Annual International Collegiate Mining Competition

March 25 - 27, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory
6200 Ocotillo Ranch Road | Sahuarita, AZ 85629

The U of A SME Student Chapter, part of the School of Mining and Mineral Resources, invites you to the 48th International Collegiate Mining Competition. Join students, faculty, industry partners and the local community for a celebration of traditional mining skills.

The competition comprises of seven events:

Mucking Five members work to fill a 2-ton ore cart and run it down a track for the best overall time.
Gold Pan Competitors search for flattened lead shot in a dirt-filled gold pan.
Swede Saw A team of five will alternate cutting through a 6"X6" timber with 36" bow saws.
Jackleg Two competitors use a pneumatic drill in order to advance the deepest hole in a concrete block in 3 minutes.
Track Stand A timed event requiring a team of five people to add a section of rail onto an existing rail as quickly and accurately as possible.
Hand Steel Five members drill into a concrete block with chisel-like steels and a hammer, alternating individuals every two minutes for the deepest cumulative hole.
Survey requires a team of two members to collaboratively determine the coordinates of a designated point.

Accommodations

Please note that hotel rooms are not included with event registration. Guests must book and pay for their own accommodations. We’ve arranged a discounted room block for your convenience.

Hotel Booking

Blocks of rooms have been arranged for the International Mining Games. Rooms will be available for the evening of Monday, March 23, through Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Reservations must be made no later than February 23.

Room blocks have been arranged at the University Marriott Hotel.

All Accommodations