For 150 years, Colorado School of Mines has worked to solve the world’s most pressing science and engineering challenges. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines has long been a leading research university in these fields worldwide. Over the years, our research portfolio has expanded, and Mines has also become a global leader in emerging engineering and technology fields. As an R1 designated university in the top four percent of research-active institutions, Mines’ expertise helps create and support lasting positive change in nearly every major industry.
We build a better understanding of the Earth’s natural resources. We develop integrated energy solutions for an efficient and reliable future. We prioritize sustainability and climate-conscious solutions. We incorporate social and ethical practices for responsible innovation. We use advanced technology to drive discovery. We push the boundaries of what’s possible to accelerate breakthroughs.
150 YEARS OF INNOVATION WITH IMPACT
Welcome to this edition of the Colorado School of Mines Research Magazine, celebrating the university’s 150th anniversary and our unique legacy of research, innovation and impact.
Since our founding in 1874, the name “Mines” has signified leadership in science and engineering research with an enduring track record of growth and influence. Recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Mines ranks in the top four percent of research universities nationwide. Our inclusive culture of excellence is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, and we’re known as the go-to-place for the use-inspired research and innovation industry and society needs.
With over $100 million in research funding last year, Mines is respected globally as an innovation leader. Our close corporate collaborations have resulted in approximately 20 percent of Mines research being funded by the private sector—among the highest of all R1 universities. Mines continues to build on our capabilities and unrivaled reputation as the world’s top university in minerals and mining engineering, addressing the need for critical materials, sustainability and technologies for the future innovation economy.
Today, Mines combines strategic research with technology transfer, opening pathways for entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial development. We play a central role in building regional innovation hubs, including the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine and Elevate Quantum Tech Hub. We have strong partnerships with federal labs and global research institutions, supported by an emphasis on research integrity and security. We contribute to thought leadership and policy insight, including our roles with the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, leading think tanks, prestigious professional organizations and others around the world.
As we celebrate Mines’ 150th anniversary, we look forward to what comes next and continuing to deliver innovation with impact.
Walter G. Copan Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer
Visit research.mines.edu to learn more about Mines’ vibrant research portfolio.
On the cover: Mines researchers and students are working across disciplines to find science and engineering solutions that incorporate an understanding of social, economic, policy and environmental impacts.
ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY FUTURES
ON THE CUTTING EDGE
Director of Materials and Energy Initiatives
Michael Kaufman
Associate Director of Research Communications
research.mines.edu mines.edu/news
President Paul C. Johnson
Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer
Walter G. Copan
Jennifer Nekuda Malik
Director, Research Development
Lisa Kinzel
Research and Proposal
Development Manager
Alyssa Von Lehman Lopez
Director, Technology Transfer
Will Vaughan
Director of Federal Relations
Andrew Lattanner
Editorial Manager
Ashley Spurgeon
Contributing writers
Jenn Fields
Emily Halnon
Sarah Kuta
Jasmine Leonas
Emilie Rusch
Ashley Spurgeon
Photography
Colorado School of Mines staff
Graphic design
Kaleigh Maxwell
INNOVATION WITH IMPACT
Over the last 150 years, the speed of innovation has been unmatched. Advances in technology, science and engineering have rapidly reshaped societies, driving progress from the Industrial Revolution to the digital age, with each breakthrough significantly expanding capabilities and possibilities.
Mines has remained at the forefront of this progress, becoming a consistent leader in solving challenges related to earth, energy and environment while embracing the flexibility to step into the next areas of innovation. This enduring leadership is rooted in an unwavering commitment to advancing research that benefits society.
Our comprehensive research strategy leverages our historical strengths and established expertise while identifying and nurturing areas of potential growth. Our researchers and students engage in projects that span disciplines and contribute to real-world, sustainable solutions. We integrate social, economic, policy and environmental considerations into our work and take a holistic approach to complex global challenges. This work is reinforced by close partnerships across industry, government and national labs, in addition to international organizations, all which extend the reach and impact of our research.
The following pages share some examples of how Mines’ sustained investment in cutting-edge research, a collaborative ethos and unique student research opportunities are helping build on the university’s 150-year legacy of innovation and influence.
Mines continues to lead in areas critical to the future of our planet and society, driving innovation with impact.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR RESEARCH MILESTONES
Mines’ research leaders discuss the university’s legacy of innovation and societal value
Since its founding in 1874, Mines has been a beacon of innovation and research excellence. To celebrate and reflect on the university’s research accomplishments during the institution’s anniversary year, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer Walter Copan brought together the three former VPRTTs for a discussion about how research at Mines has grown and evolved over the years, the value of embracing change and the importance of cultivating strong research partnerships and a robust research community.
Here are some highlights from the conversation.
Copan: John, without your work to establish a formalized office of research and tech transfer (RTT) at Mines, none of us would be here today. Can you tell us about how the RTT office came about and how its initial goals have helped to lay the groundwork for RTT at Mines today?
Poate: Being the first vice president at Mines was a great privilege. I came to Mines in 2006, and the goal was to enhance research and tech transfer at Mines. That was the time when a lot of universities were setting up their research offices. I had a really enjoyable time getting to know the faculty and trying to analyze the school and where we were going. The goal of the office was to work with the faculty and identify the areas where we could play in the major leagues. We had our first big win in 2008 with a National Science Foundation materials science award. Then in 2011, we had the Engineering Research Center—that’s a very big center from the NSF—for the water initiative. Finally, of course, in 2012, we won the DOE hub for the Critical Materials Institute. In many ways, that put us on the national research map, but to my mind, the very important thing there was that it was proof to the faculty that we could play in the major leagues and win. Of course, that was just the research agenda—there was so much other stuff going on. In 2008, we hired the tech transfer director—that was Will Vaughan—and the goal there was to clearly enhance our commercial presence. Getting that office up and running was a lot of work—understanding the research profiles, the commercial agenda—but look at what’s come to fruition now.
Copan: Stefanie, one of the most significant areas of focus when you were VPRTT at Mines was the push
toward greater external recognition of what Mines insiders have long known— that we are a top-choice partner solving real-world problems. Much of our research is use-inspired, and our connections to industry, the federal labs, other universities, decisionmakers in Washington, D.C., all inform and drive our research endeavors. Can you give us some insight on your efforts to bring this message to a broader audience while you were VPRTT?
Tompkins: When you talk about bringing a message forward, there are two different things you can think about: one is talking the talk, and the other is walking the walk. We really wanted to concentrate on the latter part initially, so I spent a lot of time talking to faculty and asking what the barriers were for them to be able to take on these much bigger projects, which is effectively the best way to communicate what Mines is capable of doing. We spent a lot of time concentrating on breaking down those barriers. It was simple things like hiring someone full time to do nothing but help with complex, multi-institution, multidisciplinary proposals. That young woman, in the first quarter she was here, I think she earned her salary back over 10 or 20 times in terms of funding that was won by the university.
We spent a lot of time talking to Congress. There are some really interesting rules in places like the Department of Energy that demand that universities provide cost share for federal funding that they win. We had to work with Congress and said this is fundamentally going against what the United States wants—you’re actually discouraging people from trying to do their best work because they can’t afford to, and that seemed like a fatal flaw in the system. We were able to get
Colorado’s delegation to work together to actually suspend that requirement for universities and for nonprofit institute organizations. It’s this sort of bottoms-up approach that allows the university to take on much bigger and bolder initiatives, some of which might be top-down or coming from unexpected external partners.
Copan: In addition to our very strong ties to industry and to other collaborators, we are dramatically growing our entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem at the university. I’m curious for your thoughts on how building a cohesive research community enables advancement and how we cultivate the idea of innovation with impact at Mines.
Dean: Most of us, when we think of scientists and researchers, we want to do two things: we want to understand things in a better way, but more importantly, the reason we do it is because we want to make an impact. I think that’s why we’re finding the growth of entrepreneurial things now—on some level, it’s just kind of a natural outgrowth of being in a position to improve society in one way, shape or form. The nice thing about it now is that there are many more structures in place to effectively smooth that type of transition. I think that’s one of the critical roles of your office right now, having the luxury of being in the position where it’s become a well-oiled machine, and what better way to attract young faculty members and see they can come to a place to favorably impact society. It’s an absolute win-win situation.
* Responses have been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Watch the full discussion on Mines’ YouTube channel.
AREAS OF INFLUENCE
Mines launches new research pillars to highlight the university’s expertise
Mines’ research focus has long centered on solving the world’s critical scientific and engineering challenges to benefit society. Partnering with industry, government and other academic institutions, the university has formed a reputation for balancing the advancement of science and technology with sustainability and building social license. Mines recently established new research pillars to highlight the university’s expertise and showcase the many ways in which Mines researchers are driving innovation with impact.
The pillars encompass Mines’ legacy expertise across earth, energy and environment, reinforcing the university’s strengths and leadership across these areas. Additional pillars include foundations, fundamentals and frontiers. These capture Mines’ work to integrate social considerations into the foundations of ethical and impactful innovation, to probe the fundamentals of science and expand our understanding of the universe, and to push the frontiers of what’s possible through use-inspired, cutting-edge research.
Transdisciplinary expertise is also central to this work. The pillars draw researchers from across
campus and Mines’ extensive network of external partners to collaborate and innovate together. This interdisciplinary approach is evident in the diverse focus areas within each pillar, highlighting the university’s research strengths and capabilities.
“The Mines ethos of use-inspired research and innovation is a significant part of what draws worldclass faculty, students and industry and government partners to Mines,” said Mines President Paul C. Johnson. “We have a combination of expertise, facilities and collaborations that uniquely positions us to tackle the key questions and challenges facing industry and society on topics like energy and water, natural resources and sustainability, infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, health and beyond.”
Mines Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer Walter Copan added, “Capturing the spectrum of research and innovation across Mines, the pillars also represent the university’s commitment to develop real-world solutions that incorporate social, economic, policy and environmental dimensions.”
Earth Exploration
Mines researchers are building a better understanding of Earth’s structure, natural processes and changing environments to predict and mitigate natural hazards, understand environmental cycles, address climate change and locate and access critical resources with minimal impact on the planet.
Sustainable Environment and Climate
Environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation are central to research at Mines, where scientists advance projects aimed at purifying water, soil and air while driving cleaner energy production, resource extraction and manufacturing practices.
Fundamentals of Scientific Discovery
Researchers across Mines drive discovery and innovation by using advanced technology and computing to enhance our understanding of the matter, forces and interactions that govern our universe.
Integrated Energy Solutions
Balancing ever-growing demand for affordable, reliable and climateconscious energy, Mines researchers are leaders in finding solutions that reduce emissions, boost energy efficiency and storage, use alternative and renewable sources and fuels and improve grid reliability.
Foundations of Responsible Innovation
Mines scientists and engineers integrate social, cultural, ethical, economic, policy and environmental considerations into their work to improve our world through impactful and responsible research and innovation.
Science and Engineering Frontiers
Mines researchers explore new areas of science and push the boundaries of what’s possible to accelerate breakthroughs in computing, robotics, space exploration, advanced materials and manufacturing, biotechnology and beyond.
A revamped website to connect with Mines research and campus researchers
To support the new research pillars and better showcase the university’s research expertise, partnerships and technology transfer opportunities, Mines recently launched a new Research and Technology Transfer website. The new website features:
A searchable researcher network for anyone—students, peers and potential collaborators—to find and connect with Mines researchers. Keywords make it easier to identify researchers based on their expertise and research interests.
Sections titled “Uniquely Mines” which feature distinctive opportunities, expertise and facilities that amplify Mines’ impact by opening pathways of discovery and innovation.
Highlights of Mines’ extensive research collaborations and partnership opportunities, including collaborations with research centers and consortia, federal labs and multi-institution or regional research hubs, institutes and initiatives.
Cross-cutting and high-impact strategic research initiatives to ensure Mines’ continued leadership in areas of strength and global recognition and drive growth in emerging areas of science and technology.
Mines technology transfer opportunities, providing convenient access to technologies available for commercial licensing, new company formation and partnership resources including funding sources for proof-of-concept and start-up investment.
Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering Melissa Krebs works with a fellow researcher in a lab on the Mines campus.
FROM CONCEPT TO STARTUP
BY JENN FIELDS
For companies like GelSana Therapeutics, Mines is helping solutions developed in the lab find a path to market
As Melissa Krebs was in the lab working on the biopolymer that would become Cleragel, it quickly became clear that the stretchable wound dressing, which improves healing in chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, was working so well that she could see a clear path through FDA submission, approval and beyond. “We’re trying to solve a big problem that needs a solution, and maybe this is the time to push it all the way through from the academic lab and into the commercial side,” recalled Krebs, Mines associate professor of chemical and biological engineering and founder of GelSana Therapeutics. “We had really good data and a really clear path to market.”
Diabetic ulcers are difficult to heal and lead to 80 percent of the non-traumatic limb amputations in the U.S. A solution that lets these chronic wounds heal will literally save limbs, but first, this novel gel needed to move beyond the lab and into a company that could take it all the way to market.
Fortunately, when Krebs reached out to the Mines Office of Research and Technology Transfer, she found robust resources already in place to aid her in the next steps, starting with moving her intellectual property from the university to her new company, GelSana, and finding the right partners to fund and advise the company along the way. Mines connected her with Innosphere, a venture capital firm in Fort Collins, Colorado with a history of launching tech and science startups by partnering with university technology transfer offices.
“At the very beginning of company creation, the major goals were, transfer your intellectual property from the university to a company, then find the lab and office space,” Krebs said. “You have these small, discreet steps to building the company. I took an entire sabbatical year and was able to focus full-time on GelSana. We did a seed round, I brought on a full-time employee and we started manufacturing.”
As Krebs was going through this process, Mines was launching its own new endeavor: an entrepreneurship and innovation (E&I) ecosystem to support a state-of-the-art network of facilities, programs, resources and business connections for the Mines community to expand their reach and impact in the world. This included development of the Mines Venture Fund I, which invests in startups from the Mines community, including faculty, students, alumni and research partners.
“We’ve been primarily funded through Innosphere and angel investors, and then we wanted to start a priced-seed round,” Krebs said. “That was when the Mines Venture Fund was formed, and that was perfect timing, because they’re able to fund in seed rounds, so they were able to participate in our first priced round for the company.”
In February 2024, GelSana became the first recipient of investment funding from the Mines Venture Fund I, and though Mines already had resources in place for researchers like Krebs, the school’s recent investments in supporting innovators in the Mines community has provided even more opportunities. Mines has built more funding, partnership and entrepreneurship support for the
E&I ecosystem, including resources specifically for those looking to launch commercial products and services, such as venture funding opportunities, startup support, mentorship and more supported by the Beck Venture Center on campus. Many of the E&I resources are open not just to faculty, but students and alumni as well as partners—anyone who is connected to the Mines community.
The funding from the Mines Venture Fund I is especially welcome as GelSana approaches the next hurdle on the way to FDA clearance for Cleragel. “With this priced round, the milestone is to get to FDA registration,” Krebs said. “We are almost there—we have a clear sight to it. The regulatory hurdles in medicine are definitely more significant, as they should be, and it ultimately means you need more capital to get your product to market.”
As GelSana works toward this goal, the company is also focused on developing hydrogel-based wound dressing products that will have a broader reach, including a gel that can deliver timedrelease medication.
Krebs said Mines’ reputation and resources have made it a great environment for doing innovative research—and becoming a startup founder. “We attract top talent. As faculty, you have a lab of really strong, motivated graduate students and post-docs that can really push the research forward,” she said. “Being an engineering school, we have really good resources from a materials standpoint, and right down the road is a medical school, which is so important for us. And now, we have that strong engineering and a strong entrepreneurial focus.”
MINES RESEARCH: A SIGNATURE PART OF THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Undergraduate and graduate students have unique opportunities to work on real-world projects and make a tangible impact
Mines invests in undergraduate research to develop distinctive, competitive graduates
A common thread runs through the Mines undergraduate student body—they are a group of individuals who all want to make an impact with their work and change the world for the better. One of the ways in which Mines is dedicated to helping them achieve that goal is by providing opportunities to engage in real-world, hands-on research that addresses global challenges.
Working side-by-side with faculty mentors, Mines undergraduates are encouraged to pursue research experiences that align with their career aspirations, supported by collaborations with industry and national lab partners. Students can engage in use-inspired research projects, ensuring their work has tangible, impactful outcomes, while supplementing their knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
“Participating in authentic research experiences as an undergraduate powerfully contextualizes classroom learning with real-world application,” said Lakshmi Krishna, director of undergraduate research scholars at Mines. “Through faculty-mentored research, students deepen their understanding of their discipline and cultivate a passion for inquiry and discovery. These opportunities bridge curricular knowledge with professional development, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen field of study. As a cornerstone of experiential learning, undergraduate research enriches the educational journey and prepares students to become future leaders and innovators in academia and beyond.”
Mines’ growing emphasis on undergraduate research focuses on three main areas:
• Funding for undergraduate researchers: Key programs provide stipends for undergraduate students, such as the Mines Undergraduate Research Fellowship (MURF), Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and the First-year Research Innovation Scholar Training (FIRST) program. The FIRST program uniquely offers students the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty mentor from their first semester on campus.
• Showcasing research: Students disseminate their research through events such as the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, publications in the Mines undergraduate research journal Reuleaux and presenting at scientific conferences.
• Supporting professional development: Undergraduates participate in professional development workshops to help them navigate the research landscape.
Through comprehensive research experiences, Mines undergraduates help drive forward technological advancements and societal progress but also learn the complexities of addressing real-world challenges.
“Students in the classroom are often trained to solve problems with well-defined solutions. However, as they progress in their education, they must develop the skills to navigate complexity and tackle problems without predefined solutions,” Krishna said. “Engaging in authentic research experiences empowers students to approach problem-solving with creativity and independence.”
“As an undergraduate student at Mines in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program, I had the opportunity to participate in research as a member of the Transdisciplinary Nanostructured Materials Research Team led by Dr. Terry Lowe. I researched creating antimicrobial surfaces on copper through nano-scale surface feature changes, developed a novel detection method for martensite in stainless steels, helped to improve stainless steel cannula, and supported the development of sustainable magnets free of rare-earth metals. Through my work in the lab, I developed many hands-on skills that have prepared me for a future career in materials science and engineering and allowed me to make meaningful technical contributions.”
-Emmelia Ashton
“Through programs such as FIRST, MURF and SURF, I have been able to seize opportunities in research that have helped me in so many ways, including being a co-author on several scientific publications. I’ve been able to find my passion, gain valuable experience in my chosen field and meet so many wonderful people. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for research here at Mines.”
-Marco Salgado
Learn more about the undergraduate research experience at Mines at mines.edu/undergraduate-research
Mines’ industry connections allow students to work on real-world issues with leading partners When pursuing a STEM degree, gaining technical knowledge and skill is paramount, but for many Mines students, being able to connect and work with companies, national labs and other industry partners on real-world projects is a game changer.
For Lexye Wood, Mines’ close collaborations with industry opened up a lot of doors for her and her future career. As an undergraduate studying mechanical engineering, Wood was able to intern with Volvo Trucks, working on product validation for the company’s semitruck line. Though while she found this work interesting, she knew the work she ultimately wanted to be doing involved technology beyond Earth’s stratosphere.
Luckily, through Mines’ partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Wood was able to get a summer internship with the company in between completing her undergraduate degree and starting her mechanical engineering master’s degree with a thermal fluids and energy systems focus at Mines. As an intern, she worked on projects related to vibration and thermal testing for flight hardware to determine durability and reliability before the materials are launched into space. Being involved in real-world projects not only helped enhance Woods’ technical skill but also allowed her to see what it would actually be like to work in the aerospace industry.
“My manager did a really great job of showing me what I would actually be doing in my job if I were to work for them,” Wood said.
By the end of that summer, Lockheed Martin offered her a full-time position, which she accepted—all before she even began her master’s degree.
“I think the connections Mines has makes you achieve things at a higher level,” Wood said. “Working in industry and getting to participate in industry research—or even research at Mines—gives you hands-on experience of what it’s going to be like in the workplace. One of the most valuable things Mines does for us is it sets us up to be in industry and gives us opportunities to work with Lockheed Martin or Sierra Space or other really great companies. And that’s ultimately the end goal, right?”
PROVIDING ACCESS TO LEADING-EDGE RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION
Mines is home to world-class research equipment and instrumentation and has made it available for shared use. The Shared Instrumentation Facility (SIF) provides Mines faculty, students and academic and industry partners with access to leading-edge instrumentation that will accelerate research and fuel innovation across disciplines.
Access to this equipment and the technical experts who run them allows for greater cross-cutting research with the potential to stimulate new insights and discoveries and advance the quality of research outcomes. Researchers are able to use this equipment without long contracting agreements and at a reasonable price, which means even smaller companies can benefit from this kind of collaboration.
More than 70 instruments are currently included in Mines’ Shared Instrumentation Facility (SIF) and encompasses equipment in the following areas:
• Electron and scanning probe microscopy
• Mass spectrometry
• Mechanical testing
• Nanofabrication
• Surface characterization
• Thin film deposition
• X-ray diffraction and computed tomography
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Learn more about SIF’s capabilities and advance your research at mines.edu/ shared-facilities
ENGINEERING A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT FUTURE
Sustainability is a top priority in today’s global agenda, with governments, industry and communities seeking innovative solutions that prioritize environmental, social and economic well-being. In particular, these solutions are paramount when addressing issues like climate change and reaching a net-zero carbon future.
At Mines, our renowned researchers are working collaboratively across disciplines to tackle these challenges head on. We have teams working to mitigate and reverse the effects of climate change through decarbonization and carbon capture, utilization and storage. They’re working on technology to better clean our water, soil and air. They’re developing new processes for responsible resource extraction. Our researchers foster unique partnerships with national labs, government agencies, other universities and industry collaborators to accelerate technological advancements and solutions, all guided by responsible engineering practices that prioritize communities and building a more sustainable future.
Here, you will find a few examples of Mines’ role in promoting sustainability and the collaborative efforts enabling this progress.
When looking to address climate challenges and seeking new engineering processes with minimal environmental impact, Mines finds sustainable solutions.
Sustainability and climate solutions must include community engagement and responsible engineering practices. This photo shows a community in Austin, Texas, that implemented a rooftop solar array.
ANSWERS BELOW THE SURFACE
Cross-collaboration
is
key to addressing climate science challenges
Addressing climate change is one of the greatest scientific and engineering challenges of our time, requiring expertise and collaboration across disciplines. Glaciers and freshwater systems are vital indicators of climate change, offering essential data for predicting future environmental conditions and shaping mitigation strategies. At Mines, researchers are on the leading edge of advancing our understanding of and response to critical environmental issues.
Ryan Venturelli, assistant professor of geology and geological engineering, studies climate and cryospheric science by reconstructing past changes in Earth’s glaciated regions using paleoglaciological data gathered from rocks and sediment above, around and beneath modern glaciers. This helps create benchmarks for ice sheet models to predict future ice mass loss and prepare coastal communities for future sea-level rise.
Matthew Siegfried, associate professor of geophysics, focuses on understanding polar cryospheric processes. He uses hard-to-collect ground data to enhance more accessible remote sensing observations. He is investigating processes at the boundaries of the Antarctic ice sheet—ice-land, ice-water, ice-air and ice-ocean—and how these processes formed the ice sheet visible today and predict future behavior.
Brandon Dugan, professor and associate department head of geophysics, focuses on advancing knowledge of offshore freshwater systems to help mitigate stresses on resources. Using geophysical imaging, subsurface geology and glacial history, his work is providing essential data for understanding how these freshwater systems evolve over time and how they will respond to sea-level rise. We asked the researchers about their approaches to climate research and how multidisciplinary collaboration helps find solutions to climate science challenges.
How does your work cross disciplines, and how does that help inform your research outcomes?
Venturelli: My group specializes in isotope geochemistry and geochronology. Alone, this work allows us to answer questions of “what happened?” and “when?” in the geologic past. But when we combine these techniques with work of our colleagues with expertise in glaciology, geophysics, sedimentology, microbiology and micropaleontology, we gain even greater context for what the changes we’re reconstructing mean and how they fit into the bigger picture of Earth’s climate system.
Siegfried: Working across disciplines is really the key to unlocking Antarctic science. I’m interested in ice sheet physics and the hydrology underneath, but these processes are controlled by how much snow fell from the atmosphere, how much heat is carried up from the rock beneath, how much ice the ocean melts at the coast. You can’t just observe and measure a glacier and call it a day because you will only have a small sliver of the picture in view, so our work requires collaborating with atmospheric scientists, geologists, oceanographers and many more disciplines.
Dugan: To really understand offshore freshwater systems has required contributions from drilling engineers, geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, electrical engineers, microbiologists and curious scientists. While any one group could have gotten stuck on the minutia of a detail, by integrating our work, we can better assess offshore freshwater systems, how they are controlled by climate drivers—such as sea-level cycles and glacial systems—and then how dynamics of the freshwater system feed back into water quality and the diversity and productivity of subsurface microbes.
How does this cross-collaboration help address issues like climate change?
Venturelli: Earth’s climate system is a product of interactions between the lithosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. If we were to only work within our discipline, we would be ignoring the fact that our data only provide a piece of information about a system resulting from this interplay. Cross-collaboration enables us to take a systems approach to understanding climate change.
Siegfried: Cross-disciplinary collaboration reveals the full picture of how the climate changes and how humans push the climate in one direction or another. I, as a glaciologist, can’t just say “my observations say Antarctica will change this way” because, for example, Antarctica changing modifies the global ocean. This then tweaks how heat is transported around the globe, which impacts the atmosphere, all of which then changes the way Antarctica will change. And that is just an example from the physical system, when really capturing the state and evolution of our climate system involves physics, chemistry, biology, economics, sociology and nearly every other existing discipline.
Why should collaborators turn to Mines researchers to invest in and advance climate research?
Dugan: Mines is top-of-mind when it comes to offshore freshened groundwater. We are leading the technical and scientific foundation upon which the first-ever dedicated offshore freshened groundwater drilling project will be completed. Our rare position to develop the scientific hypotheses, navigate the drilling technology and sampling needs to complete the project and to test hypotheses with data and process-based models makes us a technical and scientific leader.
Siegfried: We have globally recognized research leaders, not just in observing the physical climate system but also in developing engineering solutions to mitigate climate change and understanding how humans are impacted by and adapt to a changing climate. And our close ties to a wide variety of commercial partners and established collaborations with the vast array of federal and state agencies allows our research to move quickly from campus to the public.
Venturelli: Mines is an incredibly special place when it comes to climate research. We have researchers like me who focus on basic science and generating data to elucidate new information about Earth’s climate system, but we also have a wealth of capability in applied science and engineering. This means we can generate new climate knowledge that can act as a direct pipeline to engineering solutions and mitigation efforts—all while educating the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Assistant Professor Ryan Venturelli and her research team have spent time in East Antarctica collecting ice-penetrating radar data to identify the bedrock below the ice surface. In this photo, team members are dragging the deep-penetrating ice radar in front of Roberts Butte, with one team member driving the snowmobile while the another observed the radar instrument to make sure it operated correctly.
PHOTO BY DANNY UHLMANN
PRIORITIZING RESPONSIBILITY WITH CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
BY EMILY HALNON
A regional carbon storage hub works with local stakeholders to find emissions solutions
The area around Pueblo, Colorado, has been the industrial heart of the state for more than a century. But the industries in this area are carbon intensive. Regional cement and steel manufacturing operations release nearly a million metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year.
A team of Mines researchers are working in partnership with local stakeholders to curb these emissions in southern Colorado—and provide a model for similar efforts across the nation as states aim to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and work toward a net-zero carbon future.
The team, co-led by Manika Prasad, director of the Mines Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Innovation Center, was awarded a $32 million award from the Department of Energy to develop a carbon capture and storage system in collaboration with Carbon America, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Seismic Science LLC.
“We observe a correlation between elevated levels of carbon dioxide and rising temperatures associated with a warming planet,” said Prasad. “This project is one of the ways we can try and mitigate those effects. It’s not the full solution, but we need to address the existing elevated amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carbon storage is the most viable method for reducing the large volume
of carbon dioxide while simultaneously reducing current emissions.”
The project, known as CarbonSAFE Eos, is one of nine included in a $242 million nationwide investment into large-scale, commercial carbon storage projects that can potentially hold at least 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide deep underground. Ultimately, CarbonSAFE Eos could include using a groundbreaking cryogenic carbon capture system that catches and compresses industrial gases before they reach the atmosphere. The captured pollutants are then cooled to extremely low temperatures so they can be separated from the air and stored beneath the Earth’s surface.
Before putting any carbon dioxide in the ground, the researchers’ main goal will be to study the site to ensure the capacity, stability and security of the potential storage system. The team must first prove that the site won’t leak carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and surrounding areas and that it won’t harm the surrounding ecosystem and local communities.
The project also prioritizes a second, equally important goal: soliciting and incorporating community feedback into the project’s design and implementation to ensure a potential carbon capture and storage hub has local approval—and supports
sustainable economic and social development goals. The project will contribute to ongoing efforts by Pueblo residents to envision their energy future.
Jessica Smith, professor of engineering, design and society, is spearheading the community aspect of CarbonSAFE Eos and is excited about the potential to have local stakeholders play a meaningful role in the project, which could become a new model for these kinds of projects, she said.
“Often, with technology-focused research projects, the social element can become an afterthought,” she explained. “But in this project, it really isn’t. Determining whether a carbon capture and sequestration ecosystem makes sense for this part of Southern Colorado is not just a question of whether it’s technically feasible but also if it’s socially acceptable.”
Both Prasad and Smith stress that the collaborative spirit at Mines is positioning this group to make important progress on carbon reduction efforts.
“We work as a team at Mines and focus on the shared objective over our individual egos,” said Prasad. Smith added, “It’s a real joy to learn from each other and to each contribute our expertise to make this project robust.”
CENTRAL PLAYERS IN THE FUTURE OF CRITICAL MINERALS
BY SARAH KUTA
Mines is helping Keep Native American sovereignty at the heart of the energy transition
The energy transition is a major undertaking that requires collaboration from all corners of industry—from oil and gas to solar and wind.
But some of the most important—and potentially overlooked—stakeholders are Native Americans in the West.
The majority of critical minerals in the United States, like nickel, cobalt, copper and lithium, which are important components of future energy technologies, are located on or near Native lands, which means Native leaders play an essential role in the country’s energy future.
Historically, however, mining on Native lands has been harmful to Native American communities, with injustices ranging from environmental disasters to deadly health problems and more. The relationship between mining companies and Native nations needs to change.
That’s where the new Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty (NAMES) Initiative at Mines comes in.
The initiative, which launched in August 2023 as part of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, aims to help carve a new path forward by supporting the self-determination of Native nations, fostering dialogue and advocating for more collaborative partnerships.
“In talking with tribal leadership, what we’ve realized is that they are not against the opportunities that come with energy and mineral development
but that there has to be a new way to go about it that’s very different from how things were done in the past,” said Rick Tallman ’85, MS ’93, the initiative’s program manager. “And part of that is just recognizing the absolutely horrific, full history.”
As the name suggests, Native sovereignty is the initiative’s primary focus and the starting point for any and all conversations about energy, mining development and finance on Native lands.
“This initiative isn’t pro-mining or pro-energy development—it’s proknowledge,” said Tallman. “We’re focused on empowering the tribes so they can make the most informed decisions, to do whatever they want to do, as is their sovereign right.”
To that end, in May 2024, the initiative launched a new scholarship program at Mines to encourage more Native American students to become mining engineers, nuclear engineers, geologists and other specialists, with an emphasis on advanced degrees and research.
Students and Native nations benefit, but so do energy companies, which have an immediate need to hire competent, highly skilled professionals.
But Tallman and other partners believe that knowledge should flow in both directions—to and from Native nations.
To bring more Native insights to campus, the initiative hopes to facilitate
the creation of a president’s council on Native American affairs during the next school year. NAMES also organized a symposium that brought together industry and Native leaders on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Ignacio, Colorado.
In the future, NAMES also hopes to launch a fund to support research and development in energy and minerals that’s relevant to Native nations, as well as develop more STEM activities, curriculum and programs for Native American students. Another goal is to set up a process for offering technical assistance to Native communities.
The initiative is still in its infancy but, already, several industry partners have signed on, including Ivanhoe Electric, Resolution Copper and BHP. NAMES is still looking for additional external partners to join its efforts, including industry executives who are interested in participating in collaborative discussions and sponsors that can provide financial support.
“The idea isn’t to try to prescribe an answer,” Tallman said. “It’s to understand the power of the process, and, if it’s an inclusive process from the beginning, it actually provides better results.”
Learn more about NAMES and how to get involved at payneinstitute.mines.edu/names
SLOWING METHANE LEAKS IN NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION
Dorit Hammerling co-founded an initiative that directly implements processes that detect and stop natural gas leaks
BY JASMINE LEONAS
In oil and gas operations, methane leakage can occur at industrial sites, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Predictive models are often used to accurately track when and where these leakages occur, but those models are reliant on details of site-specific variables, like terrain and weather conditions.
To provide accurate data and modeling on the greenhouse gas emissions occurring across energy supply chains, the Energy Emissions Modeling and Data Lab (EEMDL) was created. Based at the University of Texas at Austin, EEMDL is an interdisciplinary group of faculty and students from three universities—Mines, Texas and Colorado State University— that work in conjunction with industry stakeholders.
Dorit Hammerling, associate professor of applied mathematics and statistics at Mines, is a cofounder of EEMDL, focusing on the computational work behind the models that accurately track methane emissions in key areas around the United States and Canada. Along with several Mines graduate students, she tests and implements these models on site at natural gas operations.
Hammerling detailed the work she has been engaged in for the last five years through the initiative and how it can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in oil and gas operations.
What is the focus of EEMDL, and what is your role in the initiative?
Hammerling: EEMDL is focused on finding transparent solutions to enact methane emission reduction at oil and gas facilities. My particular role is as an environmental statistician, and I specialize in making sense out of the data collected, from things as varied as sensors, airplanes and satellites, and characterizing methane emissions with different methodologies.
Emissions measurements often only measure concentrations and not directly the flux rates, so I’m involved with mathematical or statistical modeling that translates raw measurements into what is actionable information. We try to localize where these emissions come from on a big facility and quantify where and how much leakage is occurring. And we do this in very transparent ways. We are able to show the EPA our open-source mathematical modeling framework that translates these important pieces of information.
What kind of impact will this work have on oil and gas emissions and global mitigation efforts?
Hammerling: One of the most important things to do right now, in the time span of the next five years, is reduce methane emissions. We are working collaboratively with the companies, because they are the ones who must actually implement changes, and we spend a lot of time on the sites and have online access to them. The types of methods we develop, we really need to develop them at the facilities because we have to be sure the mathematical modeling will work on actual oil and gas sites in real time.
How does this work tie into the Global Methane Pledge?
Hammerling: This work is heavily motivated by the Global Methane Pledge. It’s really all about making that a reality and being able to quickly find these leaks on sites based on measurement.
Implementation is happening while we’re working on it. For example, we will literally work together with the operators and the people who provide the sensors, and we can immediately say, “Let’s replace the sensor and move it 10 feet away,” based on the modeling. We are also developing open-source software and writing articles so companies can replicate what we do. We are basically developing a blueprint of how you can efficiently install these types of technologies that quickly tell you where these leaks are happening.
Why is Mines the best place to do this work?
Hammerling: We have a great Petroleum Engineering Department. I happen to be an engineer, but mainly I’m a statistician. I’m no expert in petroleum engineering, so that department has helped us enormously to understand what production flows look like. GEFI [Global Energy Futures Initiative] has been helpful as well with its emphasis on the future of energy.
The fact that Mines is so small and focused on its mission is so great. We are able to find partners that help us advance what we’re doing and work collaboratively to figure out how the oil and gas industry can still do the same kind of work with quality output but having much fewer emissions.
INNOVATION IN CLIMATE RESILIENCY
To help drive innovation in climate resiliency in Colorado and Wyoming, Mines is contributing to the ColoradoWyoming Climate Resilience Engine.
A member of the CO-WY Engine governance board, Mines will advance use-inspired research solutions and address community needs related to environment, water resources, smart buildings and communities, integrated energy solutions and extreme weather resiliency, as well as access to research capabilities, instrumentation and modeling.
The initiative aims to advance the region’s research and commercialization efforts focused on sensing, monitoring and predictive analytic technologies for climate resiliency spanning methane emissions, soil carbon capture, earth sensing, water scarcity, wildfires, extreme weather and other aspects of climate resilience innovation, workforce and economic development.
Other partners include:
• Innosphere Ventures
• Colorado State University
• University of Wyoming
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Northern Colorado
• University of Colorado Denver
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Colorado and Wyoming community college systems
• Federal labs
• Economic development, policy and industry partners
For more information about CO-WY Engine, go to co-wyengine.org.
SOLUTIONS TO BALANCE THE ENERGY EQUATION
Critical minerals and materials are the backbone of the future global energy economy, essential for energy production and advanced technologies. However, sourcing these minerals poses significant technical, environmental and social challenges.
Mines stands at the forefront of addressing these issues, leveraging its 150 years of expertise in extraction and minerals research to develop sustainable solutions and innovative processes. Mines researchers are leading the next steps in harnessing renewable technologies and optimizing fossil fuel efficiencies. They are designing safer and more versatile nuclear energy systems, decarbonizing energy across industries, exploring materials and technologies to utilize hydrogen and more.
With a comprehensive understanding of the intricate energy landscape, Mines delivers data-driven solutions and policy recommendations that promote transparency across energy supply chains. As dedicated collaborators and problem-solvers, Mines researchers are working closely with industry, government agencies, international organizations and communities to understand and address all angles of the latest energy and technology pathways and determine the best paths forward.
In the following pages, you will find examples of the work Mines is leading in the energy transition and how we are an ideal partner for meeting energy and technology demands today and in the future.
When seeking options to leverage critical minerals for energy production and advanced technologies, Mines researchers have the answers.
This image shows oxidized copper in an underground copper mine in Roros, Norway. Copper is just one of many critical materials essential to energy production and advanced technologies.
THE MINE OF THE FUTURE
To
meet critical mineral
demand, the mining industry is adopting advanced technologies and new best practices that support a sustainable future
Many of the minerals necessary for powering the future— copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements— are found underground. These are essential components of clean energy technologies, medical devices, defense systems, even cell phones. Global demand for these critical minerals has surged in recent years, requiring more mining.
However, the practices and technologies to source and extract these minerals—and those being considered for the future—are diverging from traditional methods. Modern mining techniques are taking what’s been described as a laparoscopic approach, emphasizing minimally invasive processes, for both the environment and surrounding communities.
“In response to an increasing demand for minerals, mining in the future will adapt and apply many new and developing technologies that drive increased productivity, enhanced safety and minimization of environmental impact,” said Bill Zisch, the J. Steven Whisler Head of Mining Engineering at Mines.
By proactively addressing these challenges, Mines is helping guide the industry forward and shaping a new era of resource extraction.
Leveraging advanced technologies
Advanced technologies are propelling the mining industry forward—to keep up with the critical mineral demand but also to improve processes and keep the industry economically viable. Mines researchers are working on many of the components of these advanced technologies, making them more efficient, more accurate and overall better tools for resource extraction and processing.
Some of the technologies being applied in the mining industry today include:
• Autonomous equipment and self-driving trucks to revolutionize haulage operations, increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
BY ASHLEY SPURGEON
• Remote-controlled machinery and robotics to enhance safety by minimizing personnel in hazardous environments.
• Advanced sensors to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• High-precision GPS and blast-movement monitoring, combined with machine learning, to improve the grade of material processed while minimizing dilution and ore losses to tailings.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance ore sorting accuracy and increase efficiency. AI is also transforming exploration by improving geological data analysis, making it easier to identify potential mineral deposits.
• Digital twin technology, which is being deployed in mineral processing, allowing for the evaluation of control strategies in response to variations in feed and operating conditions, leading to improved efficiency.
“Meeting the materials challenge will require virtually every discipline at Mines,” Zisch said. “Autonomous mining equipment is designed and developed by engineers in the mechanical and electrical engineering field along with expertise from computer science. Solution mining advances requires expertise from petroleum and chemical and hydrogeologic engineering. Permitting of future projects requires contributions from environmental and humanitarian engineering. Tailings design, development and management will require geotechnical expertise from civil engineering. Mineral economics provide a unique contribution based on their understanding of markets, resource availability, policy development and economics. Advanced power systems help to solve the challenges associated with providing power to mining operations that will likely have to be self-sufficient anywhere in the world where they operate. Mines, as a university and across campus, is in a unique position to meet this challenge.”
Updating environmental considerations and best practices
The mining industry is also updating and implementing best practices that emphasize responsible mining, community engagement, transparency and social license to operate. This holistic approach ensures that mining operations are not only economically viable but also environmentally and socially responsible.
Researchers at Mines are leading this work by collaborating across disciplines to ensure extractive industries play a critical role in contributing to sustainable development in and around the communities in which they operate. As examples, researchers are working on projects that address the opportunities and challenges of small-scale gold mining in Colombia and Peru and projects that look at how industry can better assess and standardize their contributions to sustainable development.
Mines has also evolved its curriculum to reflect these priorities. Starting at the undergraduate level, students focus on sustainability, responsible mining and community engagement in their courses. This ensures that future engineers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the industry’s most pressing environmental and community challenges.
Developing a highly skilled workforce
It’s estimated that half of the U.S. mining workforce, about 220,000 people, will
retire by the end of the decade, and the talent pipeline is not sufficient to replace experienced mining professionals or meet demand. This challenge, combined with the need for engineers capable of leveraging advanced technologies and addressing environmental and social considerations in future projects, is one Mines is rising to meet.
“Mines is continuing to adapt to a rapidly changing world,” Zisch said. “First, and perhaps foremost, students are learning basic engineering and problem-solving skills that are preparing them to meet these challenges. Additionally, significant, broad and creative research is helping to address these challenges and to prepare students for future challenges.”
Mines’ industry partners consistently look for talent from various disciplines, including expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil, environmental, chemical, petroleum and humanitarian engineering. But they’re also needing skills in economics, computer science, data science, risk management, statistics and mathematics. As a result, Mines graduates are highly sought after by industry, academia and government and serve in roles that include mine planning, extraction and processing, mine remediation and reclamation, community engagement, business and finance, public policy, regulatory compliance and more.
RESPONSIBLE CRITICAL MINERALS
With support from the National Science Foundation under the Growing Convergence Research program, an interdisciplinary team of scientists and scholars is reimagining the approach to mining critical materials in the U.S. The collaboration between Mines and Fort Lewis College brings together 11 academic disciplines: public policy, environmental sociology, environmental and community sustainability, anthropology, geography, economics, environmental engineering, metallurgical engineering, mining engineering, geotechnical engineering and ore deposit geology. The convergent approach engages community stakeholders, extractive industries, governmental agencies and policymakers to develop a shared vision
and actionable steps for responsible critical mineral production.
The team is evaluating three production pathways for critical minerals:
• New mines: Targeting a critical mineral as the main commodity
• Byproduct: The recovery of critical minerals from operating mines
• Mine waste: The recovery of critical minerals from previously processed materials
Learn more at mining.mines.edu/gcr
COLLABORATING WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO ADDRESS MINING CHALLENGES
In addition to domestic partnerships, Mines works globally to responsibly address critical minerals demands while being socially, economically and environmentally conscious. A few examples include Mines’ partnerships and projects in areas such as:
North America
Mines is engaging with Canadian universities and the Global Institute for Energy, Mines and Society (GIEMS) in Saskatchewan to further research and innovation initiatives in the mining and energy sectors. The institute is projected to be a hub for the universities involved to collaborate on research and innovation to address global critical minerals demands with student engineers, scientists and tradespeople benefiting from its learnings.
South America
Involving more than 40 Mines faculty and researchers, the Institute for Initiatives in Latin America (IILA) equips Mines with the cultural and administrative resources to build research connections and serve the populations of Latin America through applied research and education. Since launching in 2022, IILA has managed more than $15 million in projects that increase the research capacity and research culture at partner academic institutions and bring positive environmental and social impacts to local communities in Latin America.
Africa
Mines researchers are working with local and indigenous communities in Central Africa on issues related to artisanal and small-scale mining, corporate social responsibility and other partnership projects related to sustainable development.
ASSESSING THE ROLE OF METALS MARKETS IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION
BY EMILIE RUSCH
Ian Lange leads a federal subcommittee to examine the role of critical metals in transitional energy sources
Critical minerals—the metals and other raw materials essential for clean energy technologies—and their future economic impact are a hot topic these days.
But you don’t have to tell Ian Lange that. The director of Mines’ Mineral and Energy Economics Program has been in high demand in recent months for his expertise on the economics of copper, lithium, cobalt and other minerals, consulting with the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, Energy, Defense and more.
In 2023, Lange was asked by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to chair a federal subcommittee on the role of metal markets in the energy transition. An independent agency of the U.S. government, the CFTC regulates the U.S. derivatives markets. Lange is leading a team of stakeholders to examine the role of critical metals in transitional energy sources and their potential impact on derivatives markets as part of the CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee.
Here, Lange answers a few questions about the subcommittee and the importance of metal markets in the energy transition.
Q: Why is the CFTC interested in critical mineral markets?
I an Lange: Everybody in the federal government is eager to start getting things done, see dirt moving and investment happening. Everyone is trying to figure out how to make mines happen and how to make the U.S. more of a leader in the mineral sector as opposed to just a purchaser of already made mineral products, but they’re all hearing that it’s really hard for investors, for companies, for downstream buyers to understand what the prices are going to be and what demand is going to look like. That’s the crux of a lot of the conversations over the last six months and a main culprit of the delay in investment: What can be done to improve that transparency?
That’s where the Commodity Futures Trading Commission comes in—they regulate futures exchanges, like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Mercantile Exchange. What you’re trading in a futures market is delivery of a product or potential delivery of a product at a future point in time so that people can get a sense of what the price of oil or corn or copper will be in two months, six months, 12 months down the road. The commission writes policies or suggested rules to ensure these markets are operating correctly. They can also take enforcement action if people are found to be trying to do something anti-competitive.
Q: Why is there so much uncertainty about these markets?
Lange: Partially, it’s because they’re so new. Lithium and cobalt are newer markets—before 2018, the demand for these minerals was so small that it wouldn’t make sense to have a futures market. That’s what’s happening right now with other critical minerals— with gallium or tellurium, you can’t currently support an organized futures market because there are so few people wanting to trade. If you want to have a functioning market, what you need is good information availability, you need people to be able to understand what’s going on, to make predictions of future prices. In a really small market, like the gallium market, there are only a couple of producers and that makes it really easy for someone to take advantage of the information they have that nobody else does.
Q: How is the subcommittee you’re chairing supporting the CFTC as it approaches this challenge?
Lange: The CFTC has an Environment and Energy Markets Advisory Committee, and one of the commissioners was looking for help understanding more about mineral markets. They have a number of people who deal in energy and risk but don’t have a lot of people who deal with minerals. So, they set up a subcommittee to help write a report, and that’s where they found me. Our charge broadly is to define the issues
and help them understand where they might want to make suggestions or change things from a policy perspective. The whole committee held a meeting on campus earlier this year, and we had a small panel to discuss market issues with myself, Nicole Smith in Mining Engineering, two students in the Mineral and Energy Economics Program and an alum of the program. We were able to provide the committee a little more understanding of the current state of the market and what the concerns are. Does this have parallels to other commodities? What are people thinking about?
Q: More broadly, why do you think Mines has become a leader in the conversations about critical minerals?
Lange: Mines has the only Mineral and Energy Economics Program in the United States, and after 55 years of educating mineral economists, we have alumni at all different stages of their careers throughout the mineral supply chain. Eventually, all the dots got connected, and everyone got pointed toward Mines. Twenty years ago, or even 10 years ago, this wasn’t a topic that a lot of people were turning their attention to. What’s exciting is that people are realizing that since Mines has such a long history of expertise in the area and has alumni and friends all over the industry, we can provide a much fuller picture of what’s going on.
The USGS Energy and Minerals Research Building on the Mines campus will enable greater collaborative research between the two institutions and advance solutions in the minerals and energy sectors.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
The USGS and Mines partner on a new facility focused on energy and minerals research
Mines and the USGS has a lengthy history of partnership, and a new facility on the Mines campus will further expand the two institutions’ long-standing history of collaborative research.
The new USGS Energy and Minerals Research Building, expected to be completed in fall 2026, will advance new research in strengthening critical minerals supply chains, developing a sustainable and just energy supply, innovating to modernize the nation’s mapping, tackling legacy pollution and launching a hydrogen economy.
An investment in the energy and minerals essential for the future Energy and minerals are essential to every economic sector, to every member of society and to the technologies of the future. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $167 million for the new research facility that will allow USGS researchers to work alongside Mines geoscience and energy professors and students. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes long-term investments in the science, data and expertise underpinning the nation’s sustainable development of natural resources, technology investments, STEM workforce and innovation economy.
A dedicated workforce
It will be occupied by about 250 USGS researchers and about 170 Mines faculty and students working side by side.
The new 190,000-square-foot facility will include:
State-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration spaces for USGS and Mines scientists.
A home for the USGS Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center and the Central Energy Resources Science Center.
A connection between the new facility and the existing USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center, which is home to the National Earthquake Information Center.
Classroom and spaces for Mines graduate students.
“The Energy and Minerals Research Facility will bring USGS scientists and Mines faculty and students together to focus on solving the critical mineral and energy challenges of today and the future. With the combined expertise of the USGS and Mines, plus new state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical capabilities, this facility will be the top energy and minerals research center in the nation and the world. We can think of no better home for this facility than the Mines campus, where we have already had a many-decades-long partnership with the USGS and where we’ve been dedicated to solving the challenges around energy and minerals for 150 years and counting,”
- Paul C. Johnson, Colorado School of Mines President
“Through the USGS and Colorado School of Mines’ enduring partnership and overlapping strengths, this new facility will allow us to build up America’s workforce in the energy and minerals sectors, helping us solving critical mineral and supply chain challenges.”
- Michael Brain, U.S. Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
BY EMILY HALNON
BEST PRACTICES FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE
Sociotechnical thinking
is an essential component for integrating new energy solutions
As the United States works toward a net-zero carbon future and invests in more alternative energy technologies, it makes sense that there is a need for technical expertise to help find and implement efficient engineering solutions. But what is often left out of this conversation is the equally important need for best practices that improve transparency, ethics and environmental sustainability across energy supply chains.
“Most engineering challenges, including energy projects, involve both people and technical issues simultaneously, but the technical issues are often the primary focus of the engineering process while the social factors get excluded,” said Mines Professor of Electrical Engineering Katie Johnson.
Johnson’s long-term research involves advancing wind energy control systems, but her work also incorporates sociotechnical thinking within engineering solutions. This considers the interplay between the technical and societal aspects of defining and solving engineering problems. Societal factors include environmental, ethical, economic, health, safety, political and cultural considerations—and when they’re left out of the conversation, there can be real consequences for people and the communities they live in, Johnson said.
“We design and operate energy systems for people, to help humans do many different things, but if we don’t consider how the project will impact different social factors, we’re not asking the right questions for longterm, sustainable results,” she said.
As an example, Johnson points to the planning process for integrating wind turbines into a region’s energy source. Before the technology is implemented in a new space, planners and unaffiliated moderators should engage the local community on questions like: Does the community want wind power as an energy source, or do they prefer other energy systems, like solar power? Would other energy solutions, like better home insulation, be more effective for the area? Will the proposed energy solution have any harmful effects on the local population or surrounding environment? Does the community have the political agency and power to have a voice in the planning and implementation process? Will a new energy system introduce injustices to a region that disproportionately affects underrepresented communities? Who are the decision-makers in the process, and whose interests do they represent?
“If technical engineers don’t understand what communities actually want and need, then they’re not likely to deliver solutions that will work
both today and in the future and serve everyone fairly,” said Johnson. “It’s important to open the door to solutions that are not predisposed.”
Part of Johnson’s research around sociotechnical thinking also centers on understanding and promoting macroethics in engineering. This concept addresses the field’s collective social responsibility of the engineering profession and asks how engineering practices are contributing to issues like climate change while considering how people can foster greater sustainability around solutions. For Johnson, this includes integrating macroethics and sociotechnical thinking into engineering education to encourage new engineers to think beyond the technical components of their work and consider how projects are shaped by and then affect people, communities and the environment. She believes an increased emphasis on sociotechnical decision-making in the field could be a game-changer for the long-term success and efficacy of energy projects.
“Technical thinking alone can’t get us to where we need to be with complex problems like climate change,” said Johnson. “We need to work with people across many different areas of expertise to address the highly multidisciplinary problems facing the world today.”
UNTAPPED ENERGY POTENTIAL
BY JENN FIELDS
Mines
geophysicists are leading
the way in new push to find geologic hydrogen
Hydrogen has been promising as a clean-burning fuel that could power high-carbon sectors of the economy, such as aviation and long-distance shipping, but current methods for producing it are expensive and energy intensive. However, recent research suggests that vast quantities of geologic hydrogen could be tapped from underground reservoirs to meet future alternative energy needs, and Mines researchers are leading the way in finding this resource.
Geophysicists Mengli Zhang and Yaoguo Li are working with the U.S. Geological Survey as part of a joint industry program to develop exploration techniques to find hydrogen trapped underground. Industry partners including BP, Chevron, Petrobras and several start-up companies are supporting the research, which seeks to develop surface and subsurface exploration tools to locate hydrogen reserves or find areas to enhance hydrogen generation and increase yield.
Li met with USGS research geologist Geoffrey Ellis in 2022 to learn more about the agency’s efforts at understanding the geologic formations that create ideal conditions for an underground reservoir of hydrogen, or “hydrogen system,” much in the same way that the
petroleum system guides geologists’ understanding of where oil and gas occur underground.
Ellis and his USGS colleagues had come up with some stunning hydrogen reservoir estimates. “From the source rock, there is potential to power human life for hundreds of years,” Zhang said. “It’s one reason why geologic hydrogen is getting so much attention.”
Zhang and Li are now jointly leading a geologic hydrogen consortium with Ellis, and the Mines researchers are using their geophysics expertise to develop directly deployable subsurface exploration tools.
“We would like to share our understanding and knowledge about how geologic hydrogen is generated, how it accumulates in reservoirs and what is the indicator at the surface—there is work on that because surface exploration can be relatively inexpensive,” Zhang said. “For the subsurface, we would like to provide the knowledge about what geologic settings and structures have high potential for geologic hydrogen reservoirs to form.”
Zhang said more research is needed to know exactly where the reserves are, but the U.S. appears to hold a lot
of potential hydrogen. “The ‘younger continent’ has more potential to have reserve,” Zhang said.
One challenge the researchers face is that in many underground environments, hydrogen is easily absorbed in the surrounding rocks through biological and chemical reactions. “For geologic hydrogen, the period to produce it is relatively short—decades instead of hundreds or millions of years,” she said.
“Compared to hydrocarbon, which is produced slowly and is stable, geologic hydrogen is quicker to produce but unstable. So the difficulty is that hydrogen easily reacts with the environment—it can be quickly consumed by the environment.”
Despite the challenges, the emerging geologic hydrogen community is optimistic. The models Zhang and Li are building, using geophysical and geological data and AI to identify and characterize geologic hydrogen reserves, hold the keys to exploration. But their models also explore options for stimulating geologic hydrogen if they can locate iron-rich source rocks.
“Maybe there is not enough of the naturally occurring hydrogen, or maybe the concentration and volume is not enough to achieve the economic level,” Zhang explained as a possibility. “If we have the ambitious goal that we totally change to low-carbon energy solutions, the economic level is what we need to
consider, and if hydrogen is $2 but gas is $1, then it is not good enough. Then we come to another level: Can we stimulate the generation of geologic hydrogen to be competitive with oil and gas, to make the price lower?”
The price matters—it’s what has held hydrogen back as a fuel, despite holding the power to launch a rocket into space. When burned in a fuel cell, hydrogen’s only emissions are heat and water, but much of the hydrogen in use for fuel now is a carrier drawn partly from natural gas. Zero-carbon “green hydrogen” uses significant amounts of wind or solar power to produce hydrogen from water. As a resource, geologic hydrogen would require minimal processing, making it an economically viable alternative to the fuel’s current challenges.
Zhang said Mines provides the perfect foundation for their research in this exciting field. “The geologic hydrogen situation, it’s a combination of the mineral system and the hydrocarbon system. What does Mines bring? One hundred and fifty years of mineral exploration and mining expertise. We have the mining, petroleum, geology and geophysics departments. These departments all provide the necessary elements for expertise in geologic hydrogen. To my knowledge, none of the other universities have this depth of knowledge like Mines.”
This photo shows forsterite, an olivine mineral. Groundwater interacting with olivine can result in hydrogen building up in the surrounding rock layers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
REDEFINING WHAT IS POSSIBLE
Today’s technologies aren’t ready to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges or meet its most interesting opportunities. We’re on the cusp of innovation in many fields or in the beginning stages of exploration in emerging areas that have the potential to change how we understand the world and our place within it.
Mines faculty and students are at the forefront of advancing scientific knowledge and discovery—on Earth and beyond. By pushing boundaries in fields such as robotics, cyber-physical systems, quantum engineering, space exploration, additive manufacturing and biosciences, our work is making significant contributions to cutting-edge science.
We have become a partner of choice for industry, government and national labs, thanks to our legacy of innovation and responsiveness to societal needs. We collaborate closely with our partners to develop practical solutions that drive progress and meet the demands of the modern world. This partnership-driven approach ensures that our research has a realworld impact, and our continuous innovation keeps us at the leading edge of scientific advancement.
Read on for a closer look at some of the projects Mines researchers are working on to achieve a better tomorrow.
To advance what’s next in science and technology and achieve a better future, Mines is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Pushing boundaries in scientific knowledge and discovery will enable cutting-edge advancements in technology such as robotics and advanced computing.
COLORADO’S QUANTUM HUB WILL REVOLUTIONIZE FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
BY SARAH KUTA
The U.S. needs to stay competitive in quantum—and Mines is leading the way
For years, scientists have dreamed of making one-dimensional magnets, atom-sized materials that could revolutionize computer hard drives and other data storage devices.
A major hurdle? One-dimensional magnetic materials don’t exist in nature.
To get around this issue, Zhexuan Gong and other Mines researchers turned to a quantum simulator made of a particular experimental device that uses electrodes and lasers to trap charged atoms. By controlling the interactions among the trapped ions, Gong and his collaborators were able to create a brand-new synthetic quantum material—the world’s first 1D magnet, made of just 23 atoms.
“It’s a very cool demonstration of what we can do with these quantum systems,” said Gong, an associate professor of physics. “It’s really pushing the boundaries of how we can manipulate these really small microscopic systems at our wish.”
One-dimensional magnets still have a long way to go before they end up in your laptop. But this type of cutting-edge, making-the-impossible-possible research is just one example of Mines’ leadership in quantum information technology.
It’s also why Mines is a key player in Elevate Quantum, a regional consortium of 120 organizations in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming that aims to cement the Mountain West’s position as a global leader in the quantum field.
Already, the group is making big strides toward that goal. In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) selected Elevate Quantum from 198 applications to be one of its 31 inaugural Tech Hubs, or domestic regions with the potential to become globally competitive in “industries of the future.”
Less than a year later, the EDA awarded Elevate Quantum $40.5 million in federal funding, which unlocked $84 million in matching state support and millions of dollars’ worth of private capital.
The money will help launch new startups, upskill thousands of workers and establish a world-leading quantum lab in the Mountain West, among other initiatives. More broadly, it’s also a resounding endorsement of Colorado’s quantum prowess.
“The strongest quantum industry in the U.S. is already in Colorado and this now brings in New Mexico and Wyoming as strong partners in the development of a regional tech engine,” said Lincoln Carr, professor of physics and Mines’ representative to Elevate Quantum.
Research like Gong’s is also emblematic of the innovation the U.S. needs if it wants to remain competitive in quantum information technology on an international scale. This fastgrowing sector is poised to affect everything from national security to the economy.
This Illustration from a paper published in the journal Nature by a team of physcists from Mines, Duke University, Michigan State University and the University of Maryland, shows a 1D crystal of ions, trapped by surrounding electrodes and controlled by lasers. The electrons in the ions can form a tiny magnet in one dimension.
Right now, scientists around the world are racing to develop quantum sensors, quantum simulators, quantum computers and other novel devices that harness the unique properties of atoms and subatomic particles. Many of these technologies are still in their infancy, but once viable, they’ll be faster, more powerful and more energy-efficient than existing computers.
Experts predict quantum technologies will primarily be used for good—to help tackle major problems affecting human well-being, from developing new medicines to solving climate and energy challenges. But, in the wrong hands, they could also be used in more dangerous ways, such as decrypting sensitive information, disrupting the world’s flight network, modifying court records or jamming GPS signals, said Carr.
To promote the beneficial uses—and prevent the potentially harmful ones—the U.S. needs to remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. That means not only growing the quantum workforce but also continuing to support scientists who are conducting groundbreaking research to push the field forward.
“There are so many problems we can solve with quantum technology—really hard scientific questions that just cannot be solved using traditional computers,” said Gong. “With quantum, it’s possible to break the boundaries of human knowledge.”
SUPPORTING THE NATION’S QUANTUM WORKFORCE
As quantum information technology continues to progress, the U.S. needs a highly skilled, well-prepared and diverse workforce. By one estimate from McKinsey, there’s just one qualified candidate available for every three quantum jobs.
Mines is working hard to help meet this need. The National Science Foundation recently awarded Mines $3 million to develop interdisciplinary training programs that prepare master’s and doctoral students for quantum careers. With the funding, Mines has teamed up with San José State University to launch a student training program in quantum that includes a fellowship, as well as a bridge program for SJSU master’s students to study at Mines.
Mines was one of the first universities in the U.S. to launch a quantum master’s degree,” said Carr, the principal investigator for the NSF award.
“Now, there are lots more, but how do we share best-practices from our programs to support each other? In a way, we’re creating a whole educational field out of nothing.
In addition to the SJSU partnership and the quantum master’s degree program, Mines has also made hiring faculty with quantum expertise a top priority in recent years.
“The nation needs people with PhDs but also engineers who can take quantum ideas and quantum theory and make things that really work,” said Carr. “Mines is championing this charge to produce professionals who are quantum innovators at every level.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY
BY ASHLEY SPURGEON
Mines researchers are developing joining and repair materials for aerospace applications and investigating material compatibility for applications in environments beyond Earth.
INNOVATING AT ALTITUDE AND BEYOND
Mines researchers are identifying and developing the materials necessary to advance aerospace technologies
As the aerospace industry reaches new heights, the demand for advanced materials has never been more critical. Traditional materials often fall short in meeting the rigorous demands of modern aerospace applications.
Mines stands at the center of this innovation. Renowned for its expertise in materials science and engineering, the university closely collaborates with aerospace companies and organizations to foster an environment where academic research and industrial application intersect. Researchers are leading projects to advance aircraft and space technologies that can withstand extreme temperatures and stress and take on new environments beyond Earth.
Here are just a couple ways Mines researchers are helping redefine what’s possible in aviation and space exploration.
New materials for more reliable engine assembly and repairs
Aerospace technologies like airplane engines, turbines and key components in rockets have to withstand incredibly harsh working environments and high temperatures. The immense wear and tear on these components critically shorten their lifespan and requires frequent—and often expensive—repairs.
Traditional filler materials used to bond aerospace components together during assembly or repair often display less-thanoptimum performance, which further shortens the lifespan of these systems.
To address this issue, Zhenzhen Yu, associate professor of metallurgical
and materials engineering, and her research team developed a novel filler material using multi-principal element alloys (also known as high entropy alloys) to improve both the properties and lifetime of joining and repair materials within aerospace technologies. These filler materials can withstand harsh environments while being much less expensive than traditional materials.
“The high-entropy alloy concept came out in the early 2000s, but people have just been looking at it as a structural material. We thought there could be great opportunity for it to serve as a joining or repair material,” Yu said.
Yu’s team designed a number of high entropy alloy fillers with superior properties that enable considerable lifetime extension of the bonded parts. They have since commercialized their fillers, which are being evaluated for adoption and replacement of what is currently being used.
“There hasn’t been significant advancement in improving the properties of these materials in probably 70 years,” Yu said. “That’s why we said, ‘Why don’t we design something completely novel?’”
Material compatibility
for
applications beyond Earth
Space exploration often faces constraints due to the limited resources and technology that can be sent from Earth. But Mines researchers are leveraging their expertise in extracting and utilizing Earth’s materials to identify and process resources found in space and develop technologies to propel
humanity’s capabilities for further and deeper exploration beyond Earth.
“Mines is a unique university that is very oriented toward natural resources— identifying them and making them into useful things, whether that’s materials or energy,” said Chris Dreyer, professor of practice in mechanical engineering. “That’s exactly what we’re doing with space resources, but it’s in a unique environment where identifying resources, processing them into useful things and doing so within the limitations of a space mission is a challenge.”
This emphasis on identifying resources and processing methods requires approaches that ensure the longevity and functionality of these materials for advanced applications.
“We are looking at things like material compatibility to design reactors that can last for a long time, and it has unique requirements that you don’t typically see in equivalent terrestrial applications,” Dreyer explained.
“Particularly, we want materials that can last a long time rather than being replaced or refurbished after a few uses. We want them to last long enough to do a productive piece of work, like produce a certain amount of oxygen that will help keep a crew alive or refuel a propulsion system or produce enough metal to use in a productive way, like building a habitat.
“Space resources is really an upcoming technology area that will enable entirely new things in space.”
BY JASMINE LEONAS
BETTER TRANSPORT THROUGH MATH: OPTIMIZING PATHS FOR ENERGY FLOW
Samy
Wu Fung, Daniel McKenzie work together on optimization models that find efficient ways to deliver power
Getting from one point to another isn’t always a straight line. The most direct path might not be the quickest, and the quickest way forward might have unexpected barriers or delays.
So how do you ensure delivery of a material from one place to another is both efficient and successful?
Samy Wu Fung and Daniel McKenzie, both assistant professors of applied mathematics and statistics at Mines, have been thinking about this question for the last three years, working together in the Mines Optimization and Deep Learning (MODL) group. While there are powerful optimization algorithms already set up to tackle processing flow paths, they aren’t always able to take unexpected real-world barriers into account. Fung and McKenzie are working on combining the strengths of existing optimization algorithms with machine learning models, so outcomes are both ensured and the most efficient.
Fung gave the example of navigating downtown traffic. Finding the quickest path could be done using an optimization algorithm, but what about events like baseball games or construction that can impede the flow of cars?
Machine learning models can use past information to handle these kinds of situations, while optimization algorithms provide guarantees on the path prediction.
“Optimization models will ensure success, but machine learning algorithms use historical data to take into account variability,” McKenzie said. “Integrating the two finds the quickest path and can guarantee arrival.”
For their research, they’re working on applying optimization models to a challenge that is crucial to everyday infrastructure—the power grid.
Currently, machine learning models are a popular mechanism to predict flow through a power grid. But these models don’t always consider physical constraints. How do you guarantee that certain lines will not become overloaded?
“By integrating optimization algorithms into deep learning models, you have fast ways to distribute power while at the same time ensuring that voltage constraints and demand for electricity are met,” Fung said.
Fung and McKenzie see their next steps as working with domain experts, specifically electrical engineers, on how to best apply their models to the real world, in ways that improve everyone’s day-to-day lives.
Fung said, “We’ve been developing the tools here, but applying our work to something realistic, like the power grid, is really the ultimate goal.”
PREDICTING THE STEPS BETWEEN POINT A AND POINT B
BY EMILIE RUSCH
New motion planning algorithms could unlock the potential of robotic technology
When you and I need to get something out of the refrigerator, we don’t think twice about how we’re going to do it.
But for a robot, it’s not so simple as reaching in and grabbing the ketchup. What if the last person to use the ketchup put it back on the wrong shelf? Or what if it got pushed to the back of the fridge behind a bunch of other things?
Today’s robots often rely on algorithms that allow them to perform well within a controlled space. But when the robot encounters an obstacle that deviates from what it’s been programmed to expect, it can struggle to problem solve in a timely manner.
Neil Dantam, associate professor of computer science, and Mines graduate Sihui Li are working to solve this challenge through the development of new algorithms to help robots understand when to stop trying to complete a task that’s not working and find an alternative solution. Here, Dantam answers a few questions about his group’s work and how better robot motion planning can impact the future of robotic technology across sectors.
Q: What is robot motion planning and how do the complexities of real-world environments complicate this process for robots?
Neil Dantam: Robot motion planning is a fundamental set of algorithms for robots – it’s finding the trajectory for a robot arm to go from where it’s starting out to the position where you want it to be, without running into anything, so it can grasp an object.
If you look at the environment around you, you see a three-dimensional space. Now, look at your arm—you have your shoulder, your elbow and your wrist—and many robot arms are structured in a very similar way. You can also see that there are three axes in which you can move your shoulder, one in which you can move your elbow and three axes in which you can move your wrist—you can move your wrist up and down and left to right and you can rotate your forearm. If you add those up, there are seven dimensions in which you are moving a robot arm.
The challenge comes from the difficulty of operating in this seven-dimensional space of joint positions and the inability of traditional computer science search algorithms to find plans in that high dimensional space.
Q: So, what does it mean if a robot can’t find a motion plan?
not stop looking unless you imposed a particular timeout.
Sihui’s work addresses exactly what it means when we say we can’t find a plan. Her work lets us prove this case of “no plan exists.” Given we spend enough time—and have the computational resources—then we can say definitively either no plan exists or yes, there is a plan and here it is.
Q: Why does that distinction matter when it comes to robot motion planning?
Dantam: It can mean a few different things. Does it mean you can’t find a plan because no plan exists? Say you want to get something out of the back of your fridge, but there’s no way to reach around all the stuff you have in front. Or is it because you just didn’t spend long enough thinking about how to reach around everything? Maybe you just needed more time to find the plan. Or maybe the algorithm is such that you don’t have enough computational resources and you will run out of memory. All these things can prevent you from finding a plan. And in the case of classical sampling-based motion planning algorithms, they would
Dantam: The classic sampling-based algorithms exclusively address cases where plans exist. That makes sense if you think my only problem is moving the robot from Point A to Point B, but that’s never the only problem. You’re moving the robot from Point A to Point B for some larger task. In a factory, you have a sequence of motions to take— maybe you want the robot to assemble a car door. It’s got to do a combination of things, and there may be some
These illustrations show several infeasible motion planning problems. The robot arm must move from the starting position to a goal position as shown in the first two images or reach the blue block in the shelf as seen in the third image. In each instance, no collision-free path exists from start to goal, and Dantam and Li’s work proves the infeasibility of these motions.
dependencies between steps—you may need to move certain things out of the way to reach other things.
So, it’s not just a single motion-planning problem but multiple, and some motions may not be feasible until you do something else first. That’s why we care about the case where no plan exists, because when we can’t do something, we need to figure out some alternative. What we’ve done is taken these classical sampling algorithms and added a combination of machine learning and computational geometry. The high-level idea is that the learning we’re doing is describing the connections in this seven-dimensional space of robot joints.
Q: How could these new algorithms impact the future of robotic technology?
Dantam: If we have a way of finding when a particular step is not possible, we can get back to an earlier question I had in my work, which
is called “task and motion planning.” Task and motion planning isn’t just about finding the motion from Point A to Point B but thinking about that within the larger task the robot is doing. That’s important for higher-level, more autonomous tasks that you would want a robot to do.
With industrial robots, you often pre-program specific steps. But if you drop a robot in a less structured or unstructured environment like my kitchen, you may have a task that the robot does not do a million times or even 100 times but maybe just once.
That’s the kind of scenario we’re thinking about—domestic services, things like custom manufacturing. You’re not going to do the typical industrial robot programming to make a single thing one time. But if you’re able to say, “This is what I want at the end. Now, robot, you figure out all the steps to do that,” that’s the idea. That’s what has previously not been feasible but what we’re making progress toward.
A GLOBAL REACH
Mines researchers are solving challenges with work on every continent
Mines’ science and engineering expertise and advanced technical skill are not limited to research happening on campus. In fact, the university has a renowned reputation around the world, leveraging partnerships with other universities, companies, organizations and projects across the globe. This commitment to global engagement ensures a dynamic exchange of knowledge and resources, benefitting not only the academic community but the broader international landscape. These partnerships enable Mines to find leading solutions to engineering, science and technology challenges that create lasting, positive change throughout the world. Here are just a few examples.
CANADA : Collaborating with partners at the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, SaskPower and the Saskatchewan Research Council, Mines is building on a shared commitment to energy and environmental resource sustainability with projects focused on nuclear science and engineering; carbon capture, utilization and storage; sustainable mining and critical materials technologies; clean water innovation; and hydrogen and alternative fuel technologies.
PERU: Mines researchers are collaborating on projects with universities and agencies in Latin America centered around mining and critical materials. Under the Mines Institute for Initiatives in Latin America, Mines established the Center for Mining Sustainability with the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín and the Center for Research in Sustainable Resources with the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo in Peru to promote mining practices with minimal environmental impact while supporting local economies and communities.
DENMARK: Working with institutions such as Aarhus University and companies such as Haldor Topsoe, Mines is helping find new solutions for clean energy production.
NETHERLANDS: To advance knowledge and technology related to green hydrogen, Mines is working closely with partner companies of the HyET group. They aim to provide technologies for low-cost, distributed power generation and commercially viable hydrogen production.
SAUDI ARABIA: Mines maintains strong relationships with universities such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, as well as mining companies such as Ma’aden, to enhance collaboration and workforce development to support the world’s energy and natural resources future.
KENYA/TANZANIA: Mines researchers, such as Associate Professor of Mining Engineering Nicole Smith, are working with local and indigenous communities in Central Africa on issues related to artisanal and small-scale mining, corporate social responsibility and other partnership projects related to sustainable development.
AUSTRALIA: Mines is collaborating with researchers at Curtin University to solve challenges related to critical minerals and geosciences and partnering with Fortescue Future Industries through their Colorado Innovation Hub that focuses on advancing green hydrogen and green energy innovations to decarbonize industries.
NEW ZEALAND: In collaboration with 30 institutions from around the world, the Mines astroparticle physics team co-led the Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon II (EUSO-SPB2) project that launched from Wanaka, New Zealand in 2023. The project intended to make the first measurement of high energy cosmic rays from suborbital altitude using optical techniques.
ANTARCTICA: The Mines Glaciology Laboratory is using satellite remote sensing techniques in combination with field-based and airborne geophysical methods to understand physical processes of Earth’s glaciers and ice sheets. Partners include the National Science Foundation, NASA, U.S. and Canadian universities and more.
Learn more about Mines’ research collaborations at research.mines.edu/research-collaborations
Colorado School of Mines is an R1 research university in the of all research institutions in the United States.
1500 ILLINOIS ST. GOLDEN, CO 80401-1887 research.mines.edu
Mines was awarded more than
in total research funding in 2023. About of Mines’ research was funded by industry partners.
Mines geophysics students work with a hammer seismic survey during a geophysics field session.
Mines has a network of who collaborate globally with industry, national labs and other universities.
Learn more about our expertise and connect with us at research . mines . edu .
