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Critical Minerals

How Colorado School of Mines is shaping the future of mining

July 30, 2025

Two students in hard hats and safety glasses use a pole-mounted scanner to survey a rock face inside the Edgar Experimental Mine during a Colorado School of Mines geology field session.

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By Tim Meyer

Global demand for critical minerals is set to outpace supply. Mines is working to close that gap by making mining smarter and more sustainable.

  • Elizabeth Holley, associate professor of mining engineering
  • Jihye Kim, assistant professor of metallurgical and materials engineering
  • Reza Hedayat, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering
  • James Ranville, professor of chemistry
  • Nicole Smith, associate professor of mining engineering
  • Bill Zisch, J. Steven Whisler Head of Mining Engineering
  • Isabelle Harris, PhD candidate in geology
Guggenheim

About Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.