Montana Tech faculty present critical minerals research at international conference in Finland

Montana Technological University faculty members Dr. Robin Bullock and Dr. Rick LaDouceur recently presented their research at Xplorer 2026, an international conference focused on mineral exploration, mining innovation and sustainable resource development in Oulu, Finland. The presentations were the result of a collaboration with Northwestern University as part of the Sustainable, Resilient, Responsible Global Minerals Supply Chain Global Center NSF Planning Grant and the Finland Embassy to the United States.

The conference brought together researchers, industry professionals and government representatives from around the world to discuss the future of mining, critical minerals and emerging technologies supporting the global resource sector. Xplorer 2026 was held at the University of Oulu in Oulu, Finland, from June 9-June11, 2026.

Bullock, a faculty member in environmental engineering presented “Byproduct Recovery Case Studies and Validation from Mine Wastes in Montana, USA.”

“The Embassy of Finland, participating universities and the mining industry shared their expertise and a strong willingness to discuss challenges and opportunities with Montana Tech and Northwestern University,” Bullock said. “These discussions provide an incredible platform for addressing the critical mineral challenge—which is absolutely vital if we are to quickly close gaps in an open and sustainable global supply chain.”

LaDouceur, mechanical engineering department head and director of Montana Tech's Center for Energy Technologies, presented “Challenges using Traditional Concentration Techniques for Rare Earth Mineral Separations.”

"One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was seeing how Finland is addressing many of the same challenges we face in Montana and the US, particularly related to mining, water resources and critical minerals," LaDouceur said. "It was an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from different approaches and identify solutions that can benefit both regions."

In addition to presenting their research, Bullock and LaDouceur participated in industry and research visits across Finland, including meetings with universities, government research organizations and mining companies. The delegation toured facilities in Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere and Oulu, where they explored topics ranging from critical minerals and mineral processing to automated mining technologies. During a visit to Sandvik's underground testing facility in Tampere, the group observed remotely operated and autonomous mining equipment designed to improve safety and efficiency in underground mining operations.

"Some of what we presented will likely be useful to researchers and industry partners in Finland, and some of what they shared will help inform our work in Montana," LaDouceur said. "The challenges may not be identical, but there are many similarities, and collaboration helps all of us move forward."

Their participation highlights Montana Tech's continued involvement and interest in collaboration in international research efforts to address the growing demand for critical minerals, responsible resource development and energy technologies.

Bullock and LaDouceur also expressed their appreciation to Jennifer Dunn of Northwestern University; Heta Pyhälahti of the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C.; and Saija Luukkanen, head of the Mining Department at the University of Oulu, for their support in coordinating the visit and fostering international collaboration opportunities. They also thanked industry and research partners at Sandvik, Metso, Endomines, GTK, VTT and university research centers throughout Finland for sharing their expertise and perspectives on critical minerals, mining innovation and sustainable resource development.

Montana Tech is recognized for its expertise in mining, geological, metallurgical, environmental and energy-related engineering fields, with faculty and students conducting research that supports industry innovation and workforce development in Montana and beyond.