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.

Hotel Information

Please note that hotel accommodations are not included with event registration. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for their own lodging.

The University Marriott Hotel will serve as the designated pick-up and drop-off location for transportation to and from the mine. If you are not staying at the Marriott, you will still need to arrive there to access event transportation.

Recommended Hotels:

University Marriott Hotel
(Primary transportation hub)
AC Hotel Tucson Downtown
Located 1.3 miles from the Marriott and offers a free tram service for convenient travel back and forth.