Resources and Communities
Our mission is to conduct scientific investigations that contribute to more just and equitable ecosystems where humans, the natural environment, and technology can coexist in mutually beneficial ways. We are particularly interested in the interactions between communities and energy and mineral developments.
Resources and Communities in the Department of Mining Engineering
Our mission is to conduct scientific investigations that contribute to more just and equitable ecosystems where humans, the natural and built environment, and technology can coexist in mutually beneficial ways. We are particularly interested in human and environment interactions as they relate to energy and mineral developments.
Campus News
- Mission for ancient climate clues beneath 500m of Antarctic ice gets underway
A Colorado School of Mines researcher joins international team in Antarctica seeking clues in ice and mud to predict future sea-level rise. - Orediggers strike gold with first women’s club rugby national championship
The Mines women’s club rugby team claimed the 2025 National Collegiate Rugby Division III title after a dramatic 38–29 victory over defending champion Endicott College, with sophomore standout Piper L … - ProtoFund-Powered: Student passion project envisions trencher for space mining
Mines grad student builds lunar trencher to advance space mining, aiming to unlock Moon resources and fuel the future of space exploration, with help from Mines ProtoFund … - Judith Vidal PhD '09 named codirector of Nexus program
Nexus invests in the development of joint responses to challenges, catalyzes research funding for collaborative work and fosters the exchange of ideas between Mines and the National Laboratory of the …
Welcome
Welcome to our research group’s website! We are an interdisciplinary group of scholars and students in the Mining Engineering Department at the Colorado School of Mines. We collaborate with engineers, social scientists, and applied scientists across campus, as well as governments, NGOs, academics, and students around the globe to understand and address some of the world’s most difficult challenges. Our work maintains a focus on the relationship between mineral and energy developments and communities. We conduct research on topics related to artisanal and small-scale mining, resource extraction and sustainable development, social responsibility, and social license to operate. Please view our website, and feel free to reach out with any inquiries.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nicole Smith