Mines to Megawatts

Reimagining Mines. Powering Tomorrow. Reigniting Missouri. 

Mine sites have a wide range of advantages that make them attractive for SMR and other energy development.  They have existing electrical transmission infrastructure that can be leveraged by a new system to transmit power. They can serve as safe, secure containment and protective structures reducing construction costs, and the sites already have many environmental surveys completed. These factors have the potential to reduce construction costs (and times) that have challenged previous nuclear installation efforts. Bringing together the people needed to move from vision to reality, Missouri S&T will provide opportunities for collaborators to showcase their technologies and work together to develop strategic partnerships and identify critical steps necessary to bring an “integrated energy park” to life.   

Time Session Speaker
8:00 AM Breakfast  
8:30 AM Welcome J. Schlegel, Missouri S&T
9:00 AM Underground Nuclear W. Myers, LANL (retired)
10:00 AM Break  
10:15 AM Site Considerations S. Nowak, OptiRock
10:45 AM Integrated Energy Systems R. Saeed, INL
11:30 AM Lunch  
12:30 PM Strategy Discussion J. Schlegel, Missouri S&T
4:00 PM Closing Reception  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meals will be provided by Missouri S&T's catering services.

Event Details

Date: August 5, 2025

Location: St. Pat's A and B, Missouri S&T 

Registration: Please register here by July 31. There is no fee to attend.

Sponsorship: If your organization is interested in sponsoring this symposium, please reach out to us (minestomegawatts@mst.edu) for additional information.

Symposium Sponsors

Overview and Logistics

To develop a strategic framework for establishing “energy parks” combining next-generation nuclear technology with AI data centers, pumped hydro storage, and other key technologies at mine sites across the state and nation. 

To put together a team or teams willing to seriously consider what is necessary to transition this from an idea to reality. At this workshop, we will bring together the people and organizations with the necessary expertise and: 

  1. Establish a common framework for discussion and a concise summary of challenges facing the deployment of SMRs in mines.
  2. Identify the key needs for various stakeholders in moving forward 
  3. Schedule a follow-up meeting to allow stakeholders to take this discussion back to their organizations and collect the data they need to develop a collaborative strategic plan. 

We can harness the collective expertise of industry leaders and Missouri S&T to use advanced nuclear power solutions to revitalize mine sites and their local communities. By addressing key challenges and leveraging existing opportunities, we will contribute to sustainable energy and economic development, critical minerals extraction, and national security. 

Chair:

Members:

  • Taghi Sherizadeh, Missouri S&T
  • Joe Newkirk, Missouri S&T
  • Sam Nowak, OptiRock Group
  • Any Ellis, Brady's Bend

Staff Support:

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