The Payne Institute for Earth Resources, created by a $5 million investment by Jim and Arlene Payne, will educate and inform policymakers and other stakeholders about pressing issues in the areas of earth, energy and the environment. Through research and policy analysis, the Payne Institute will foster collaborative partnerships with established research institutions, universities and government agencies around the world.

 

The Payne Institute is a natural fit with Mines’ specialized expertise and its dedication to serving industry and society since its founding in 1874.

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The Payne Institute is a campus-wide initiative, led by Mines’ Division of Economics and Business and the Office of the Provost. “The Payne Institute provides Mines an institutional base from which to leverage a rich set of faculty resources across campus,” said Division Director Michael R. Walls, who is spearheading the effort. “Mines is already known as one of the nation’s top engineering and applied science universities, and the Payne Institute will open a wealth of opportunities to expand our innovative and influential quantitative analysis in the policy arena.”

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Research at the Payne Institute will promote analysis based on sound economic and scientific principles. Areas of research will include rare earths and critical materials, climate and carbon policy, pollution regulation, global trade and the environment, minerals policy, energy security and more.