Mining, Metallurgy & Recovery
Current research in this area at UAF and UAA is focused on improving flotation circuits and recovery of REEs from coal using bacteria.
Mineral Industry Research Lab (MIRL)
The Mineral Industry Research Lab (MIRL) research activities, devoted to finding, developing and utilizing Alaska’s minerals include, but are not limited to, the following study areas: Improved exploration methods, new resource development, mining in frozen ground, surface coal mining in the Arctic, mine and mill design, mineral processing engineering, use of radiotracer techniques in placer gold recovery, hydrometallurgical and electrochemical processes for heap leaching of gold ores in the Arctic and sub Arctic, coal characterization and beneficiation, coal utilization, coal-water fuel production, mineral market evaluations, and environmental concerns associated with mining and metallurgy.
Mining and Mineral Engineering
The College of Engineering and Mines (CEM) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has been educating engineering students since 1922. Originally, it was founded as the Alaska Agriculture College and School of Mines in 1917. Over the years, students from around the world have pursued their engineering degree with us, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn one-on-one from outstanding faculty in the unique environment of Interior Alaska.