The Tailings Center

Menu

JOIN US

Membership Value Proposition

Multidisciplinary Expertise: The Tailings Center is comprised of three leading universities – Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, and University of Arizona. Together, we provide a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional approach to tailings management. Our goal is to address tailings and mine waste management holistically throughout the complete mining lifecycle, from initial exploration and resource characterization, through development, operations, and processing, to closure, reclamation, and post-mining land use transitions.

Partnership with Industry: Our partners include mining operators, consultants and specialized technology vendors who collaborate with the Tailings Center Director, Site Directors of member universities, and research teams on establishing research priorities, developing student understanding of the tailings and mine waste industry, and implementing professional development initiatives.

Education and Training: We offer educational opportunities, including specialized courses, workshops, and graduate certificates, designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students with a foundational understanding of tailings and mine waste management, and professionals from a broad range of disciplines (e.g., mining, geotechnical, environmental, finance, risk, regulatory) to gain or enhance their expertise in tailings management. We offer internal Tailings Tech Talks and Webinars on strategic topics of interest to our IAB. We also make our “Tailings 101” foundational short course openly available as a free resource for students and partners.

Workforce Development: We remain committed to expanding the workforce by attracting and training the next generation of tailings and mine waste experts. Our programs not only support graduate students but also engage undergraduates and K-12 students, fostering early interest in this critical field. Survey data confirm that early academic exposure, internships, and co-ops are the leading reasons practitioners deliberately enter tailings, precisely the pathways our programs create.

Strategic Collaboration and Talent Access: We connect industry leaders with top academic talent, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and accelerate progress in tailings management. 

Research: With the guidance of our Industry Advisory Board, our research initiatives seek to leverage the complementary strengths of the three universities to address pressing challenges in reimagining, reducing, reusing, and managing tailings and mine waste. This collaborative approach integrates expertise across multiple disciplines including geology, mining engineering, mineral processing, civil engineering, geochemistry, environmental science, and mineral economics, creating opportunities for innovative solutions that span the mining lifecycle.