Mining Engineering
Ranked as the #1 mining school in the world since 2016 by the QS World University Rankings, the Mining Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines has distinguished itself by developing curriculum and research programs geared toward responsible stewardship of the earth and its resources.
Welcome
Mining Engineering is an exciting field for the sheer number of possibilities it presents. It ranges on a broad spectrum of engineering skills including mechanical, electrical, geophysical, computer science, and others. Starting out with high average salaries of $83,115 per year and average internship salaries of $25 per hour, the Mining Engineer can undertake countless job opportunities including manufacturing, planning, design, management, operations, marketing, and many more.
Put simply, our vision for the Mining Engineering Department is to be internationally recognized as the world’s premier center for education and applied research in the diverse fields of mining and underground construction and tunneling. This vision spans across numerous interdisciplinary areas of study. Through collaborations with other Mines departments, academic institutions, government agencies, and industry, we are committed to expanding the international reputation of the department for excellence in education, research, industry service, and community outreach.
The Mining Engineering Department:
- Is ranked the #1 minerals and Mining engineering program in the world (QS World Ranking)
- Is located in Golden, Colorado adjacent to the Colorado Mineral Belt
- Operates the Edgar Experimental Mine
- Has a well-known high-profile faculty with relevant industry and research experience
- Provides an outstanding hands-on student experience in a small department setting
- Is part of the Earth and Society Programs Earth and Society Programs
Mining Engineering Department's DI&A Initiative
Our DI&A Mission
To be a multidisciplinary community that values the intrinsic worth of all of its members, recognizes our shared values, and embraces our differences. We will include all persons in our community, promote wellness among all of our members, foster a spirit of openness and active engagement, and strive to be diverse and inclusive in every aspect of department operation. In doing so, we will ensure a full educational opportunity for all who teach in, learn in, and interact with our department.
DI&A Vision
The DI&A Vision for the Mining Engineering Department: The commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access is infused into every action taken by our Mining Engineering community, including our words, actions and decisions within department meetings, curriculum and courses (both face to face and online, and external interactions. Our department stakeholders are committed to raising our retention and graduation rates and promoting ally-ship among our faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders so that we demonstrate equal opportunities of success for all.
Ongoing DI&A Activities
Our MNGN DI&A committee secured a grant from the WEND Collective to hire an external consultant to lead workshops for staff, students, and faculty from our department and the Geology and Geological Engineering Department. A series of 6 workshops are currently in progress where we are examining DI&A related topics in more depth and developing our skillsets to foster more diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning and work environments.
DI&A Resources and News
For more resources, you can find them on the Mines Diversity webpage.
In the news for the Mining Engineering Department’s DI&A Committee members:
- Dr. Nicole Smith was honored with a MLK recognition award from Mines in February 2021 for her DI&A efforts.
- Drs. Sebnem Duzgun and Nicole Smith were selected by Women in Mining International to join the 2020 cohort of 100 global inspirational women in mining.
News
- Mines faculty examine the integration of mining, refining for domestic critical mineral production
Research will focus on both the environmental and community impacts of vertically integrated mining operations - Colorado School of Mines, Idaho National Laboratory Announce Partnership
“We are thrilled to be taking the relationship between Mines and Idaho National Laboratory to productive new heights that build on our research strengths and shared vision to create synergy in the nat … - Mines faculty member testifies before congressional critical minerals working group on U.S. mineral workforce
In her testimony, Associate Professor Elizabeth Holley discussed Mines’ vision for the “mining of the future,” which aligns with students’ interest in environmental stewardship, innovation and social … - Mines faculty member testifies before U.S. Senate committee on minerals workforce
Bill Zisch, J. Steven Whisler Head of Mining Engineering at Mines, spoke on a new vision for mining in the future.
In 2024, the year of our 150th anniversary, we will celebrate Colorado School of Mines’ past, present and possibilities. By celebrating and supporting the Campaign for MINES@150 you will help elevate Mines to be an accessible, top-of-mind and first-choice for students, faculty, staff, recruiters and other external partners. The Mining department’s goals for Mines@150 include upgrading facilities, scholarships, and continuing to build on student experiences both in the classroom and out in the field. When you give, you are ensuring Mines becomes even more distinctive and highly sought-after by future students, alumni, industry, and government partners over the next 150 years. We look forward to celebrating Mines’ sesquicentennial with you and recognizing the key role you play in making the MINES@150 vision a reality through your investments of time, talent and treasure. Give now