Modern life runs on critical minerals—rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and other elements. These minerals fuel energy systems, support defense technologies, and more. As demand surges, Colorado School of Mines is helping solve the challenges that stand in the way. Our experts are available to speak with journalists about this important topic.
Contact Erich Kirshner, media relations specialist, at erich.kirshner@mines.edu, to coordinate an interview.
Our experts include:
Priscilla Nelson, professor of mining engineering
A former senior advisor to the director of the National Science Foundation, Nelson’s focus has been on geological and rock engineering, and currently she focuses on mine tailings engineering and management. Nelson is former president of the Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Founder of The Tailings Center.
Elizabeth Holley, associate professor of mining engineering
Holley uses geological tools to address technical and socio-technical problems in mineral exploration, mine development, production, and reclamation. She is part of an interdisciplinary team of geologists and mining engineers who work in close collaboration with anthropologists, community members, educators, environmental engineers, geographers, and policymakers. Additional areas of focus for Holley include the opportunities and challenges for mineral production as mine byproducts and from mine waste, as well as new mine development.
Erik Spiller, research professor for metallurgical and materials engineering research professor and adjunct professor in mining engineering; vice president and principal metallurgist with Tetra Tech, an international engineering consultancy
Erik Spiller has more than 40 years of process experience including senior management positions in research, operations, equipment, and engineering companies. At Mines Spiller lectures in mineral beneficiation, especially related to particulate separation and directs research in mineral processing.
Corby Anderson, Mining Engineering Director for the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy and metallurgical and materials engineering professor
Anderson’s expertise lies in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, waste treatment, and recycling arenas. Anderson is especially concerned about a lack of critical minerals processing and refining capability in the U.S.
Nicole Smith, associate professor of mining engineering
Nicole Smith is a cultural anthropologist who studies how communities experience and respond to mineral development projects. Her current research examines public perceptions of, engagement with, and reactions to the rapid expansion of critical mineral supply chains across the United States. Drawing on years of fieldwork in Africa and South America, she brings a grounded perspective on how global resource transitions are lived and understood in diverse local contexts.
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.
