Julie Lucas spent most of last week out in Sparks, Nevada, for the American Exploration and Mining Association’s Annual Meeting.

She was part of a key panel titled, “Reshaping Mining: Innovations for Sustainable Futures.”

Lucas is the Executive Director of MiningMinnesota, and proud to represent the Midwest and Minnesota. And she was able to learn from other mining leaders.

“Getting to hear the perspectives from other folks working around small communities, and how they engage with communities. I really enjoyed the celebration of mining and what it provides for our world. There was so much joy in that, and hearing from other folks about the clean energy transition and how we can contribute to that,” she said.

Minnesota’s projects have faced some steep headwinds this year. Her advice for advocates is to stay strong, as the resources aren’t going anywhere.

“We are part of the solution, and we need to keep sharing the message that it’s awesome to be part of an industry that creates and produces,” Lucas added.

AEMA’s Annual Meeting is the second largest and longest running annual mining convention in the country.