About
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 support that create 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 a postdoctoral researcher and an economic geologist specializing in epithermal and geothermal systems.
Amy Kirk, Operations Director
Amy Kirk is an operations and funding leader with 20 years of global experience supporting organizations in securing and managing funding.
Thomas Monecke, Program Director
Thomas Monecke is a professor and an economic geologist with more than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration and research.
Nigel Kelly, Technical Director
Nigel Kelly is an applied geoscientist and industry leader with more than 25 years of experience in academia and the private sector.
Board of Advisors
Rich Goldfarb
Research Professor | Colorado School of Mines and China University of Geosciences, Beijing
Paul Spry
Professor Emeritus | Iowa State University
David Cooke
Director, CODES | University of Tasmania · Editor, Economic Geology
Mark Hannington
Professor | University of Ottowa
Board of Directors
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.
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.
Instructors
Tim MacIntyre
Instructor
Evaporite Basin Systems · Sed-Hosted Deposits · Copper Exploration · Exploration Geochemistry · Field Geology
Ben Frieman
Instructor
Structural Geology · Tectonics · Economic Geology · Mineral Systems · Crustal Evolution · Mineral Exploration
