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** Letter from Gov. Cox: Utah advances minerals cooperation
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As President Donald J. Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finalized a U.S.–Australia critical minerals framework in Washington last week, Utah was in Sydney meeting the partners who will carry it out. That timing mattered, and it shaped many of our conversations with government and industry leaders.

On the ground for Utah’s trade mission to New Zealand and Australia, the Utah delegation — with Utah business and government leaders — focused on execution. We met with ministers, company leaders, and researchers to identify practical next steps that connect Utah firms to projects and supply chains.

At the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, five Utah companies represented our state. We were the only U.S. delegation, and we sent a clear message: Utah is ready to lead.

This is why we take a proactive approach to international business. Most of the world’s customers live outside the United States. Staying competitive means meeting partners where they are and building pathways that benefit Utah workers and families. International trade contributes nearly $8 billion to Utah’s GDP and supports 430,000 jobs statewide. Our goal with every trade mission is simple: turn global relationships into local results.


** Headlines

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Mining Weekly: Utah Governor Cox hits the ground running at Australian mining event > ([link removed])
KSL: Australia and New Zealand trade mission: Elevating Utah's global business reach 'Down Under' > ([link removed])

Deseret News: Australian business leaders join Utahns to tout industry in the Beehive State > ([link removed])


** New health and wellness center for Utah firefighters
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The Utah Firefighter Cancer Initiative Health and Wellness Center is designed to be one of the most comprehensive firefighter cancer screening programs in the country. Lt. Gov. Henderson toured the facility and spoke at the hose-cutting ceremony. Early screenings, education, and dedicated funding will help save the lives of those who save ours.


** Choosing dignity over division
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Lt. Gov. Henderson shared her thoughts on dignity at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The Dignity Index, pilot-tested in partnership with the University of Utah, encourages dignity in public discourse. In a world of contention, each of us has the opportunity to respond with dignity.


** State agency updates
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Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program partnered with Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History to stabilize the 1,752-foot Thaynes shaft. Crews set polyurethane foam blocks to curb water intrusion and voids, clearing the way to restore the 1930s hoist house for 2026 tours.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ specialty wildlife license plates, first launched in 2004, generated more than $1.9 million for conservation from 2019–2024. Proceeds support habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, and research, helping DWR protect species and improve public safety statewide.

The Utah Department of Transportation’s Zero Fatalities program is working to end traffic-related deaths through education. Since the 2025–26 school year began, the team has delivered 390+ presentations, including Parent-Teen Night, Truck Smart, Countdown to Drive, and Beat the Street—instilling safe habits for families, teens, and kids statewide. Watch > ([link removed])

The Division of Oil, Gas and Mining’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program won an award from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for emergency work at the Kenilworth Mine fire in Carbon County, sealing adits, injecting 3,000 gallons of fire-resistant foam, and reducing smoke and subsidence at the site.

Following his appointment by Gov. Cox and confirmation by the Utah Senate, Brett Varoz has been sworn in as the newest member of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Varoz previously served as the Board's Chief Hearing Officer and brings over three decades of corrections experience to his new role.

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in partnership with Simplot Phosphates, completed the US-191 Realignment in Vernal, replacing hazardous switchbacks with a straighter alignment. The project added lanes and a runaway truck ramp, improved travel safety, advanced environmental restoration, and saved taxpayers $40 million. Watch > ([link removed])

America 250 Utah and the Utah Division of Arts & Museums opened “The Pen Is Mightier: Writing a Revolution” at the Layton Heritage Museum. The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s full exhibition opens at the Utah State Capitol in January. Learn more > ([link removed])

Thirty-one public libraries earned the Utah Quality Library Award from the Utah State Library, a division of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement. The award recognizes excellence in services, governance, and community engagement. Learn more > ([link removed])

The Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, with justice partners, hosted its second annual policy course, giving legislators a real-case overview of Utah’s justice system. Briefings covered prison capacity, research on sentence length and recidivism, and programs focused on habitual offenders to enhance public safety.

The Utah Division of Securities secured a final judgment against Safeguard Metals LLC and Jeffrey Ikahn, ordering restitution and a civil monetary penalty for defrauding Utah investors ([link removed]) of roughly $374,498 in precious metals (mostly silver coins). One senior invested $200,000 from a retirement account—underscoring Utah’s commitment to protecting seniors from fraud.

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