In the news

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, is interviewed about how a new presidential administration's focus is likely, or not likely, to have a longterm impact on how we use and produce energy, or protect the environment. Bazilian says the longterm change is likely to be small because of the immense size of the industry.

Paul C. Johnson, Mines president, is quoted in this article about Mines' new program guaranteeing admission for Jeffco students who meet specific criteria. Johnson notes that by providing a guaranteed admissions pathway, Mines is ensuring that Jeffco students who demonstrate excellence in STEM have the opportunity to pursue a world-class education while staying close to home.

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, discusses with Colorado Matters Host Ryan Warner why the whole world seems to be focused on critical minerals at this time. Bazilian notes that agencies and countries have their own critical minerals lists, and the lists vary.

Golden High School students enrolled in a senior capstone class discuss their work and Mines' newly announced program to guarantee Jefferson County high school students admission to Mines if they meet specific criteria. Completing a senior capstone class meets part of the requirements for guaranteed admission.

Elizabeth Holley, associate professor of mining engineering, explains that each nation has its own list of critical minerals, but they are generally made up of rare earths and other metals like lithium. She says demand is booming - in 2023, demand for lithium grew by 30%. This is being driven mostly by the rapid growth in the clean energy and electric vehicle sectors.

Jeffco Public Schools officials and students express support for the new program guaranteeing admission to Mines for Jeffco students who meet specific requirements. Currently about 150 new Jeffco students enroll at Mines each year.

Mines and Jeffco Public Schools announce new program that goes into effect in 2026. Jeffco students queried about guaranteed admission to Mines for STEM-focused students who meet specific requirements were enthusiastic about the offering.

Segment discusses a just announced, first of its kind agreement between Jeffco Public Schools and Mines that guarantees admission to Mines for Jeffco students who meet specific requirements.

Ian Lange, associate professor, Economics and Business, is quoted. "If the problem was that we don't have the dirt, that would have been solved already," said Lange. "It's a financial thing. It's an economic thing. China is a cartel; all their firms act together to lower prices. Their goal isn't profit maximization."

"The bold vision for moving forward with domestic mining is certainly there," said Morgan Bazilian, professor of public policy at the Colorado School of Mines, adding that the permitting reform will be key.

John Jechura, professor of Practice, Chemical and Biological Engineering, is quoted in this story examining the implications of new tariffs being placed on petroleum products from Canada. Jechura said that the tariffs make it possible Coloradans will see higher prices.

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy at Mines, is quoted in this article on Ukraine's critical minerals and rare earth elements. "The media and even parts of the administration are using the term incorrectly," Bazilian says, referring to rare earth elements. "The point is that rare earths are not really and should not be the focus of any Ukraine deal. The country itself, I don't believe, has ever produced rare earth."