Utah Governor Cox hits the ground running at Australian mining event as U.S. federal representatives grounded by government shutdown

Utah Governor Spencer Cox highlighted Utah’s powerful mining credentials at a major Australian resources conference today, while emphasising the significance of the landmark agreement signed this week between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Donald Trump on critical minerals.

He also stepped into the role of de facto U.S. representative in the absence of federal counterparts, addressing the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney.

“We did not know when we planned this six months ago that Prime Minister Albanese and President Donald Trump would be signing an historic agreement centred on critical minerals,” Governor Cox said. “We also did not know that there would be a government shutdown in the United States, meaning I am here representing not just the 3.5 million people in Utah, but 350 million people across the country.”

His visit coincides with record international attendance at IMARC 2025, a reflection of the sector’s surging global momentum. More than 11,000 registered for this year’s event, including leaders of global mining companies, international and Australian government representatives, METS (mining, engineering and technology services) companies, venture capitalists and other investors.

Governor Cox underscored the essential role of innovation in the global mining and clean energy transition. “The raw materials are very important, but raw materials are just that. They're raw, they're rocks, they're dirt, they're worthless until you apply the innovation to them.

“And we live in a time of miracles….we can solve the greatest problems that have faced humankind because of the innovation that exists now.”

Highlighting Utah’s position as an economic leader, Governor Cox noted that the state has led the United States in business and GDP growth over the past decade, holding the number one position for GDP growth again last year.

“The opportunities that exist in Utah are tremendous right now, and that agreement signed this week between Australia and the United States is going to unlock opportunities that we have never seen before.”

He said Utah was known as “the crossroads of the West…and now we are becoming the crossroads of the world,” championing Utah’s collaborative approach to trade, investment, and sustainability.

“We care deeply about our partnerships. We believe that trade is really important. We believe that we should treat our allies with dignity and respect and that when we work together, we can solve any problem.

“We must get out of this scarcity mindset and into an abundance mentality, that when we work together, we can solve the greatest problems that are facing our countries and facing humanity. We believe that we can do that, and we can do it with your help.”

Governor Cox also assured the audience that Utah was making significant progress in accelerating planning approvals on public lands. “Traditionally and with past administrations, it's been a little hard to do business on public lands that are owned by the federal government. That is changing. We've moved permitting on state lands from about 200 days down to about 45 days.”

“And I'm very proud to say this, we just had an approval on federal lands… in 28 days. We are open for business and we hope to see you in Utah soon,” he concluded to strong applause.