“We need the youth to see that modern mining is completely different from the past and that careers today are high-tech and exciting.”
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Why is the University of Idaho launching the first geological engineering degree in the state?
The University of Idaho is a land-grant school that has always had a strong history in geology and mining education. In fact, we used to have a College of Mines and Earth Resources, but, like many other schools, it was closed when gold prices dropped around the turn of the century. Consequently, over the last couple of years, we have been leading efforts to revive mining education. Starting fall 2025, we will be offering a new bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering jointly run by the College of Science and the College of Engineering.
By collaborating with the Idaho Mining Association, Hecla, Idaho Strategic Resources, Bunker Hill, Perpetua Resources, Integra Resources, and numerous other stakeholders, we began by redesigning our geology degree. Mining in the US has changed dramatically, and what companies need now is very different from what they needed 30 years ago. Instead of just restarting the old program we had 25 years ago, we worked with them to design one that fits today’s mining needs.
How can the government and mining companies help build the next generation of miners?
One of the big changes since many mining schools started closing 25 years ago is the loss of steady federal support. There used to be a federal agency that provided resources to help mining schools, but the US Bureau of Mines closed in 1996. For several years, there has been an effort to pass the Mining Schools Act (H.R. 2457), which would recognize universities with mining programs and provide support for them. All mining schools really need that act to pass because, without resources, it is tough to hire faculty, invest in specialized equipment, and keep programs strong.
The other big challenge is perception. We need the youth to see that modern mining is completely different from the past and that careers today are high-tech and exciting. However, universities cannot change that perception alone, and we need mining companies to step up and work in the communities where their employees live, telling that story and showing students what is possible.
What are the main research areas the University of Idaho is pursuing in mining and minerals?
We have several lines of research, one of the most important of which is extracting critical minerals from mine waste and e-waste. This area of research is expanding through coordinated research proposals with Montana Tech and the University of Wyoming to support our mining partners across the Rocky Mountains region. Additionally, several of our faculty members work with companies such as Teck Resources and Bunker Hill to understand and develop remediation efforts for acid rock drainage to lessen its impact on mining operations.
Historically, we had a strong base in metallurgical sciences, but that faded when the College of Mines closed. Now, as we spin things back up, we are establishing research areas in ore deposits, metal transport, element recovery, and environmental remediation. In a way, starting fresh is an advantage because we can be strategic about where we are heading.
Do you have a final message for C-executives about the relevance of academia in mining?
Mining is an international arena, but in the US, it is a national security issue because of our reliance on foreign suppliers for many of our critical minerals. With the shift to reshoring our critical minerals supply, we will see an increasing need for mining geologists and engineers. The challenge is getting younger generations excited about mining degrees. Universities cannot do this alone. That is where mining companies have to step in.
Ultimately, it comes down to resources. Universities cannot always afford expensive mining hardware or software, so when companies provide access to datasets or equipment, it is hugely valuable and greatly appreciated. Scholarships are great, of course, but real impact comes from giving students hands-on experience, exposure to real company tools, internships, and global work abroad opportunities. That is what makes students excited about mining as a career and ultimately builds the workforce companies need.
Why is the University of Idaho launching the first geological engineering degree in the state?
The University of Idaho is a land-grant school that has always had a strong history in geology and mining education. In fact, we used to have a College of Mines and Earth Resources, but, like many other schools, it was closed when gold prices dropped around the turn of the century. Consequently, over the last couple of years, we have been leading efforts to revive mining education. Starting fall 2025, we will be offering a new bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering jointly run by the College of Science and the College of Engineering.
By collaborating with the Idaho Mining Association, Hecla, Idaho Strategic Resources, Bunker Hill, Perpetua Resources, Integra Resources, and numerous other stakeholders, we began by redesigning our geology degree. Mining in the US has changed dramatically, and what companies need now is very different from what they needed 30 years ago. Instead of just restarting the old program we had 25 years ago, we worked with them to design one that fits today’s mining needs.
How can the government and mining companies help build the next generation of miners?
One of the big changes since many mining schools started closing 25 years ago is the loss of steady federal support. There used to be a federal agency that provided resources to help mining schools, but the US Bureau of Mines closed in 1996. For several years, there has been an effort to pass the Mining Schools Act (H.R. 2457), which would recognize universities with mining programs and provide support for them. All mining schools really need that act to pass because, without resources, it is tough to hire faculty, invest in specialized equipment, and keep programs strong.
The other big challenge is perception. We need the youth to see that modern mining is completely different from the past and that careers today are high-tech and exciting. However, universities cannot change that perception alone, and we need mining companies to step up and work in the communities where their employees live, telling that story and showing students what is possible.
What are the main research areas the University of Idaho is pursuing in mining and minerals?
We have several lines of research, one of the most important of which is extracting critical minerals from mine waste and e-waste. This area of research is expanding through coordinated research proposals with Montana Tech and the University of Wyoming to support our mining partners across the Rocky Mountains region. Additionally, several of our faculty members work with companies such as Teck Resources and Bunker Hill to understand and develop remediation efforts for acid rock drainage to lessen its impact on mining operations.
Historically, we had a strong base in metallurgical sciences, but that faded when the College of Mines closed. Now, as we spin things back up, we are establishing research areas in ore deposits, metal transport, element recovery, and environmental remediation. In a way, starting fresh is an advantage because we can be strategic about where we are heading.
Do you have a final message for C-executives about the relevance of academia in mining?
Mining is an international arena, but in the US, it is a national security issue because of our reliance on foreign suppliers for many of our critical minerals. With the shift to reshoring our critical minerals supply, we will see an increasing need for mining geologists and engineers. The challenge is getting younger generations excited about mining degrees. Universities cannot do this alone. That is where mining companies have to step in.
Ultimately, it comes down to resources. Universities cannot always afford expensive mining hardware or software, so when companies provide access to datasets or equipment, it is hugely valuable and greatly appreciated. Scholarships are great, of course, but real impact comes from giving students hands-on experience, exposure to real company tools, internships, and global work abroad opportunities. That is what makes students excited about mining as a career and ultimately builds the workforce companies need.
