Building the institution behind the mineral workforce
The Earth Resources Innovation Institute (ERII) is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the minerals and mining workforce.
ERII headquarters are strategically located in Golden, Colorado, home to the Colorado School of Mines, a major U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research presence, and a concentration of exploration and mining companies in the Denver metro area. This location provides direct access to leading academic expertise, strong industry partnerships, and diverse field settings across the Rocky Mountain region.
Mission
To revitalize the minerals and mining workforce through hands-on, interdisciplinary training that connects education, innovation, and industry, preparing students and early career professionals for impactful careers.
Who we serve
ERII brings together the people and organizations needed to build a stronger mineral resources workforce.
Students and Early-Career Professionals
Applied training, mentorship, research experience, industry exposure, and wrap-around services to pathways into mineral-sector careers.
Industry
Partners
Customized training, access to emerging talent, research collaboration, and opportunities to shape workforce development.
Researchers and Educators
Industry connections, collaborative research opportunities, technical programming, and shared educational resources.
Professional and Community Organizations
Partnerships that support technical exchange, public education, and greater understanding of mineral resources.
Leadership
Lauren Terry, Executive Director
Lauren Terry is Executive Director of ERII and an economic geologist specializing in epithermal and geothermal systems. She holds an M.Sc. and PhD from the Colorado School of Mines and has consulted on mineral exploration projects in Japan, the western United States, and British Columbia. Lauren also serves as Conference Chair of the Denver Mineral Exploration Symposium and conducts research and mentors students as the Manager of CASERM at Mines.
Leigh Freeman, Board Chair
Leigh Freeman is Board Chair of ERII and a mining industry leader with extensive experience in mineral exploration, operations, executive recruitment, and workforce development. He co-founded Orvana Minerals and has led exploration programs across five continents. A longtime advocate for mining education, Leigh has served on numerous university and industry advisory boards. He is a Fellow of SME and recipient of the organization’s Ivan B. Rahn Education Award.
Thomas Monecke, Program Director
Thomas Monecke is Program Director of ERII and an economic geologist with more than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration and research. He is a professor at the Colorado School of Mines, Director of CASERM, and author or co-author of approximately 120 publications. Thomas also serves as Program Chair of the Denver Mineral Exploration Symposium and is a recipient of the Society of Economic Geologists’ Waldemar Lindgren Award.
Quinton Hennigh, Board Member
Quinton Hennigh is an economic geologist with more than 40 years of experience across mineral exploration, mining, and investment. He has held technical and executive roles with leading exploration and mining companies and currently serves as Chairman and CEO of San Cristobal Mining. A Colorado School of Mines graduate, Quinton has contributed to significant discoveries and projects worldwide, including Fosterville, Queensway, Iska Iska, Valley, and Surebet.
Advisors
Amy Kirk
Business Operations Advisor
Amy is a Business Operations Advisor to ERII with 20 years of global experience supporting organizations in securing and managing complex federal, corporate, and philanthropic funding.
Nigel Kelly
Technical Advisor
Ben Frieman
Science Advisor
Simon Kocher
Science Advisor
Nigel Kelly is a Technical Advisor to ERII and an applied geoscientist and industry leader with more than 25 years of experience in academia and the private sector.
Ben Frieman serves as a Science Advisor to ERII. He is a Research Assistant Professor in School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy at Colorado School of Mines.
Simon Kocher serves as Science Advisor to ERII. He is a Research Associate in the School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy at Colorado School of Mines.
Governance and transparency
The policies of ERII are created and governed by a Board of Directors and implemented by an appointed Executive Director. The Board currently consists of a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Executive Director is a non-voting member of the Board.