Mines Research Magazine

Energy

Colorado School of Mines Research – 2026
mines.edu/energy-research

Energy is a defining opportunity of our time, driving global markets and enabling prosperity, accelerating technological innovation and demanding reliable, affordable and sustainable power at unprecedented scale. And with that demand, our energy systems become more complex. The future of energy will require a flexible mix of resources working together, from conventional fuels to emerging technologies, to support demand while strengthening resilience and security. Meeting this moment takes bold research, trusted expertise and close collaboration.

The future of energy starts at Colorado School of Mines—the world’s premier energy university.

At Mines, we stand at the center of the energy conversation. We integrate education, research and industry partnerships to spur innovation and prepare adaptable, forward-thinking talent to lead what’s next in the domestic and international energy workforce. Recognized by the prestigious Carnegie Classification as an R1 institution—among the top five percent in the U.S.—we pair 150 years of applied science and engineering excellence with a relentless focus on real-world impact.

Our expertise spans the full energy ecosystem, from subsurface resources and advanced energy technologies to infrastructure modernizations and generation and storage solutions. We work closely with organizations like the U.S. Geological Survey and National Laboratory of the Rockies to accelerate breakthroughs. We are objective and trusted thought leaders who can deliver actionable insights to shape effective, evidence-based energy policy. Here, faculty and students bring technical depth and systems-level insight to the world’s toughest energy challenges. Our cutting-edge solutions strengthen economies, secure supply chains and power a more resilient energy future.

Quantum

Colorado School of Mines Research – 2026
mines.edu/quantum-research

Quantum technologies are no longer a distant dream. They are the foundations of tomorrow’s breakthroughs. From ultra-secure communications to transformative computing and sensing capabilities, quantum systems promise to redefine industries and push the boundaries of what’s possible in computing, communications and measurement. As global efforts to harness quantum potential accelerate, the need for collaboration, rapid advancement and a skilled workforce has never been more crucial.

The quantum future is here. An established leader in quantum science, Colorado School of Mines is developing the systems and insights that will drive the next era of technological breakthroughs.

As an R1 institution according to the Carnegie Classification and amount the top five precent of research universities in the U.S., we combine 15o years of rigorous research with practical applications, tackling challenges that demand both technical excellence and interdisciplinary insight. Our quantum research spans experimental development, advanced instrumentation and applied quantum systems, supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as Quantum COmmons and Edgar Experimental Mine. We established the first quantum systems engineering bachelor’s degree program in the nation and were one of the first universities to offer a quantum engineering master’s degree to prepare students to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the quantum workforce.

Our faculty, students and partners are advancing secure, scalable and transformative quantum technologies. By bridging disciplines and industries, we are solving today’s challenges and anticipating tomorrow’s needs. At Mines, we lead with purpose, precision and a commitment to shaping a quantum-powered future.

Critical Minerals

Colorado School of Mines Research – 2025
mines.edu/critical-minerals-research

Modern life runs on materials most people never see–rare earths, lithium, cobalt and other critical minerals power smartphones, satellites, energy systems, medical devices, defense technologies, and more. As global demand spikes and supply chains become more complex, the race is on to secure these resources.

Critical Minerals challenges don’t wait. Neither does Colorado School of Mines.

Recognized by the prestigious Carnegie Classification as an R1 institution – among the top five percent in the U.S. – we aim higher and tackle the challenges that define our time. For more than 150 years, Mines has built a global reputation for providing solutions that incorporate an understanding of social, economic, policy and environmental impacts.

Nowhere is that clearer than in our critical minerals research. We advance every step of the critical minerals supply chain, from discovery and extraction to processing, recycling and policy development. Our dedicated faculty, students and partners work together on real-world solutions that secure reliable, sustainable supplies for the future. It’s part of why we were named the No. 1 mineral and mining university by QS World University Rankings in 2025.

Through close collaborations, we help industry and government find answers to the world’s toughest resource challenges. And it’s how we continue to lead–not just by solving today’s problems but by anticipating tomorrow’s needs with relevance and results.