Why it matters: Critical minerals are dominating headlines, and Mines President Paul C. Johnson says there's a reason people look to Golden for answers.
The big picture: Mines has more experts across the entire critical minerals value chain than anywhere else, Johnson said, from exploration and extraction to processing, product development and recycling, plus the economics and policy work happening through the Payne Institute for Public Policy.
What's new: Two major investments are cementing that lead.
- A USGS Energy and Minerals Research Facility opening on campus in early 2027, pairing federal experts with Mines faculty
- A newly acquired off-campus building becoming a critical minerals technology hub, co-locating Mines researchers, startups and established companies
Beyond the lab: Mines is pushing its research past publication and into practice, Johnson said, pointing to congressional testimony in Washington and Payne Institute convenings that bring together companies, policymakers and investors.
The talent pipeline: Graduates leave ready to lead "day one," Johnson said, through industry partnerships, internships and hands-on projects.
The alumni factor: Mines graduates work across the critical minerals space worldwide, from engineering roles to senior government positions, a network Johnson calls one of the university's "great superpowers."
The bottom line: The critical minerals supply chain is complex, and Johnson says Mines is uniquely positioned to connect the dots, from where minerals are found to how they reach the market, and to help shape the national roadmap to get there.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
