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Modern rendering of new USGS building with large glass windows and cantilevered upper floors, surrounded by trees, pathways, and people walking and cycling.

Mines and USGS Partnership

Mines and the U.S.Geological Survey

Colorado School of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have a long history of working together to solve geological and mineral resource questions. The next phase of the partnership will begin in 2027 with the opening of the Energy and Minerals Research Facility on the Mines campus. The state-of-the-art facility will house researchers from Mines and USGS, facilitating greater and faster collaboration and innovation around the energy and critical minerals challenges of today and tomorrow.

Mines and USGS Logos

 

Modern rendering of new USGS building with large glass windows and cantilevered upper floors, surrounded by trees, pathways, and people walking and cycling.

“With this building, we can have true on-site collaboration: Researchers can work together, and faculty and students will be engaged in advancing minerals and energy solutions for the country and the world.“

—Terri Hogue, dean of earth and society programs at Mines

In the News

Critical Minerals

Mines and US Geological Survey expand critical minerals and energy research partnership with new joint facility

Critical Minerals

U.S. already has the critical minerals it needs – but they're being thrown away

Campus & Community

USGS, Mines break ground on new facility focused on energy and minerals research

Key players in the USGS Partnership

Modern multi-story building with large glass windows, surrounded by trees and people walking on paved paths and stairs.
U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – a primary Federal source of science-based information on ecosystems, land use, energy and mineral resources, natural hazards, water use and availability – provides science for a changing world, reflecting and responding to society’s continuously evolving needs. 

USGS science for a changing world logo in green

Learn more about USGS
Scientist in blue lab coat and safety glasses pouring liquid into a funnel in a laboratory setting.
Center for Mineral Resources Science

The Center for Mineral Resources Science (CMRS) is a global leader in mineral deposit, exploration, research and education. The center brings together an elite team of scientists from Mines and the USGS, dedicated to supporting Mines’ educational mission of providing unparalleled research opportunities to graduate students in economic geology.

Mines Center Mineral Resources Science unit ID

Learn more about CMRS
Mines student adjusting advanced lab equipment with copper coils in a bright laboratory setting, with notes on a whiteboard in the background
The Office of Research

The Office of Research is committed to supporting Mines’ R1 Classification and driving innovation to tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges and the world’s critical scientific and engineering challenges. We work closely with federal laboratories to achieve shared goals and drive innovation with impact.

Mines Research unit ID

Learn more about our federal laboratory partners

A student monitoring data on a laptop in a mine, running test on of seismic activity
School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy

With deep expertise in mining, petroleum, geophysics and subsurface engineering, the School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy brings together the people and disciplines needed to address evolving mineral and energy challenges and develop solutions for the resources society depends on.

Learn More About the School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy

Renderings of the USGS Energy and Minerals Research Facility

Modern multi-story office building with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery and people walking on sidewalks under a clear blue sky.
Modern office kitchen and lounge area with large windows, circular ceiling lights, high bar stools, and people interacting in a bright, open space.
Modern lobby with people sitting, walking, and ordering at a cafe near stairs and glass railings in a bright, open-concept space.
Modern building with large glass walls, outdoor stairs, people walking, and green trees along a paved walkway.
Modern office lounge with people working on laptops and tablets near elevators and a seating area with chairs and tables.
Rendering of the conference room in the USGS building being built on Mines campus
Rendering of the outside of the USGS building, eastern view, being built on Mines campus
Rendering of the basement in the USGS building being built on Mines campus
Rendering of the atrium in the USGS building being built on Mines campus