Groff Engineering Showcases Technical Leadership at SME MINEXCHANGE 2026

Groff Engineering took part in SME MINEXCHANGE 2026, held in Salt Lake City this past February. The team contributed several technical presentations and actively engaged with professionals across the mining industry.

As one of the industry’s leading technical gatherings, MINEXCHANGE offers a platform to share results and advance knowledge. Groff Engineering values this mission and consistently supports efforts that improve technical understanding and real-world application.

Advancing Industry Knowledge Through Participation

Groff Engineering approaches its work with a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing. Events like MINEXCHANGE allow the team to connect with peers, contribute to important discussions, and bring practical insights to the industry.

In addition, the firm works to bridge the gap between engineering analysis and real-world decision-making. By sharing methods and lessons learned, Groff Engineering helps support better outcomes across mining and aggregate sectors.

Key Presentations at MINEXCHANGE 2026

At this year’s conference, Brian Groff and Alireza Valian presented research that reflects the firm’s integrated technical and economic approach.

Brian Groff delivered two presentations:

• Mineral Reserves Reporting Practices — This session examined how mineral resource and reserve estimates are used outside traditional reporting systems. It also reviewed recent legal cases and highlighted financial risks tied to non-compliant reporting.

• Impact of Regulation S-K 1300 on Coal Reserve Values — This presentation analyzed U.S. coal company data since the regulation took effect on January 1, 2021. It also compared U.S. reporting standards with global practices and evaluated market capitalization trends.

Meanwhile, Alireza Valian introduced a data-driven approach to quarry market analysis:

• Predicting Market Capture for Prospective Quarries — This study presented a GIS-based framework that combines consumption patterns, transportation networks, and economic competitiveness. As a result, the model produces clear visual maps that identify strong and weak market areas.

Together, these presentations demonstrate Groff Engineering’s commitment to combining engineering expertise with economic and data-driven analysis.

Looking Ahead to 2027

During the conference, the Industrial Minerals and Aggregates Division began planning the 2027 technical program. The group proposed a new session titled “Economics of Industrial Minerals and Aggregates.”

Alireza Valian will chair the session. It will explore the economic factors that shape operations, from individual sites to broader market trends. Furthermore, the session aims to bring together diverse perspectives from across the industry.

Continuing the Conversation

SME MINEXCHANGE 2026 once again provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and advance technical discussions.

Groff Engineering remains committed to contributing to these conversations. The firm continues to share knowledge, support innovation, and strengthen the technical foundation of the industry.

Abstracts

Non-Securities-Related Mineral Reserves Reporting – Case Studies

B. Groff

Recent court cases have renewed attention on how mineral resource and reserve estimates are used outside formal disclosure systems. In the United States, both public and private reporting should follow SME guidelines. However, several cases show where reporting failed to meet these standards. These gaps created measurable financial consequences. This paper highlights those examples while distinguishing mineral evaluation from valuation.

Effects of S-K 1300 on U.S. Coal Reserve Values

B. Groff

This presentation reviews U.S. coal company data since January 1, 2021, when Regulation S-K 1300 took effect. The first technical report summaries were published in 2022. The analysis examines reporting practices, geopolitical influences, and market capitalization per ton of reserves. In addition, the presentation evaluates whether U.S. companies have aligned with international reporting standards.

Predicting Market Capture for Prospective Quarries

A. Valian and B. Groff

This study introduces a GIS-based framework to predict market capture for potential quarry sites. The model integrates consumption distribution, transportation networks, and economic competitiveness. It estimates market share using an economic decay model based on delivered cost. As a result, the framework generates intensity maps that highlight areas of strong and weak demand. Furthermore, the modular design allows for future expansion with additional technical and socioeconomic data. This approach improves transparency and reliability compared to traditional methods.