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As the world transitions to cleaner energy technologies and emerging economies continue to develop, the demand for minerals too has increased at least 50%. Where do these minerals come from? What are the geopolitical implications? How is Arizona uniquely positioned to contribute to a secure and sustainable future in the United States?Arizona has a long and rich tradition in mining – especially copper – today, the state is uniquely positioned to contribute to the major challenges around critical mineral production in the U.S. from new technologies to work force to driving circular economies through the minimization of waste. Southern Arizona, in particular, is a hub for the development of leading mining technology and boasts state-of-the-art proving grounds, a unique full-scale mining laboratory, and a new school that brings many disciplines together to solve the most pressing challenges related to mineral extraction, leveraging some of the most advanced mining operations in the world. The region stands to lead the U.S. in critical mineral development.
Biography: Kray Luxbacher
Kray Luxbacher is the Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair and Department Head in the Mining and Geological Engineering Department at the University of Arizona. Her primary research interests are in underground mine ventilation including monitoring and characterization of gases and particulates, fire simulation and prevention, and risk analysis. She is passionate about mining engineering education and the onshoring of critical mineral beneficiation.
She is active in several committees of the SME, and the National Academies Committee on Earth Resources, and she is a registered professional engineer. Prior to joining academia, Dr. Luxbacher worked for mining companies as an underground production foreman and engineer. In addition to her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mining Engineering she also earned a graduate certificate in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech.
Reminder: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, Wednesday, 11/22/23 will be a DARK day and therefore, no lunch meeting at the TCC. The Rotary Office will be closed on Thursday 11/23/23 and Friday 11/24/23. 
General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Rotary International, John Hewko lives out Rotary’s mission as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. He’s immunized children against polio in India, represented Rotary at the World Economic Forum, and bicycled 104 miles in El Tour de Tucson to help raise more than $60 million for polio eradication. He's riding in El Tour for the 11th time this year. 
Remember: Since Wednesday, 11/08/23 is the second week of the month, there will be no lunch meeting at the TCC.
The Service Projects lunch (with some mix and mingle, too) is a new direction for our Club where we will introduce 13 Service Projects. Our fellow Rotarians have stepped up to be Team Leaders, and it would be great if everyone could attend the lunch and support them and learn about the great plans we have in store. 
