Can you introduce the university and its role in the national mining industry?

PJ: Colorado School of Mines (Mines) was founded in 1874 to supply the region with mining engineers, metallurgists and mineral processing experts, which was vital for economic growth at the time. We evolved into a full-service engineering university, supplying talent not only to the mining industry but also to aerospace, IT, civil infrastructure and energy sectors, all critical for Colorado and the nation’s economy.

BZ: We have maintained strong ties with the industry since our beginnings. I have personally been on the Industry Advisory Committee at Mines for over 20 years, and we get input from a broad range of industry participants. At a recent career fair, over 400 companies attended, including more than 40 companies looking to hire mining and other engineering disciplines. One of our key focuses is to ensure we produce mining engineers who are well-equipped not just for today's challenges but for future demands.

What enrollment figures has Mines experienced in recent years?

BZ: We have seen a significant increase in our department’s numbers, up more than 25% in 2023, bringing us to around 120 students. The mining industry needs all types of engineers, so we are reaching out to mechanical, electrical, environmental, and computer science students as well to introduce them to career opportunities in mining. Addressing the industry's challenges requires a broad range of engineering talent.

What approach does Mines take to ensure the next generation of mining engineers?

PJ: Unlike other universities, we do not admit students into specific programs. Instead, we bring in students interested in being engineers, problem solvers, and innovators. From there, we help them find the best fit for their interests. We piloted a new ‘Futures’ class where students tackle real-world issues like energy, water, and carbon. Through this, they discover the relevance of mining in the larger context of energy and sustainability. This approach helps increase awareness of mining as a career option, not just for mining engineers, but also for students in other fields. We emphasize professional development. When you combine that with their love for challenges, it becomes easy to engage them in exploring mining as a career path.

What do you think the industry overlooks when it comes to attracting talent?

PJ: One thing that applies to any company is the importance of early visibility. We offer opportunities for companies to be visible on campus, like professional development workshops, classroom participation, and involvement in future-focused classes. When students see someone just five or 10 years ahead in their career, someone they can relate to, it becomes easier for them to envision themselves in that career. The more visible companies are, the better chance they will attract talent.

What are current research initiatives at Mines?

BZ: At our Edgar mine, we have seen increasing demand for its use as a subterranean laboratory. It offers unique opportunities for research that benefits from an underground environment.

PJ: Future advances in mining will focus on efficiency, with AI and automation playing key roles. This is critical for processes involving critical minerals, where ore concentrations are small. We are also working on extracting materials from recycled sources. Research in geophysics and underground construction will improve precision in mineral extraction.

What are some key goals for the Mining Engineering program to remain number one?

PJ: The aim is to grow the program while ensuring students are equipped for long-term success in the mining industry. We are integrating AI into the curriculum and emphasizing that future engineers need more than just technical skills. We are adding business acumen to the programs and giving entrepreneurial and innovation-minded students more opportunities, like industry innovation challenges. We have also doubled down on hands-on experiences.

BZ: Our initial focus is increasing enrollment, but we are also expanding research and the application of evolving technologies and strengthening industry relations. We are introducing new course requirements focused on waste, water and closure management and on community engagement and sustainability as we continue to prepare our graduates for some of the industry’s challenges today and in the future.