Mining Education
CMA supports academic programs, scholarships, and professional development to keep Colorado at the forefront of mining innovation.
Educating the Next Generation of Mining Leaders
With mineral demands growing across energy, defense, and technology sectors, mining education is more important than ever.
CMA supports the training of tomorrow’s workforce by partnering with top-tier universities, promoting academic programs, and investing in legal and professional development to support every part of the mining ecosystem.
Colorado Mining Association Education Foundation
CMAEF is CMA’s affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to educate K–12 teachers and the public about the modern mining industry.
Since 1968, CMAEF has offered the All About Mining course in partnership with the Colorado School of Mines and Adams State University, delivering practical, fact-based learning for educators across Colorado and beyond.
Supporting Future Legal AdvocatesStuart Sanderson Memorial Scholarship
CMA works with CMAEF to promote the Stuart Sanderson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the legacy of Stuart Sanderson, past President and CEO of CMA and a skilled attorney dedicated to legal advocacy on behalf of the mining industry.
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The annual Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding 2L or 3L pursuing a Juris Doctorate degree in Colorado or the greater Mountain West (Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) with a demonstrated support for the mining industry.
The scholarship is funded entirely by voluntary donations and administered by CMAEF’s Stuart Sanderson Memorial Scholarship Board of Directors. -
After working in Denver as a solicitor for the Department of the Interior, Stuart Sanderson spent his career as an advocate for the mining industry, first with the American Mining Congress, and then for 22 years as the leader of CMA. He represented the interests of the mining industry and appeared as counsel of record in many key cases related to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, mining regulation, and public lands. After he retired from CMA, he worked as a consultant to the mining industry. Stuart passed away in December 2022. To remember Stuart and support law students interested in legal advocacy on behalf of mining, CMA and CMAEF have worked with the broad network of friends and colleagues to honor his memory through the Stuart Sanderson Memorial Scholarship.
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The amount of the scholarship is awarded annually at $5,000 or 5 percent of the scholarship fund’s three-year average balance. The recipient is recognized by CMA and will receive free admission to CMA’s annual conference.
Law students interested in applying for the scholarship are encouraged to reach out to hello@coloradomining.org for more information
Apply Now
Donate Today
Support future legal advocates by donating to the scholarship today!
Leading the World in Mining EducationPartnership With Colorado School of Mines
CMA proudly partners with the Colorado School of Mines, the top-ranked mining engineering university in the world. Mines has produced thousands of professionals who now lead innovation across CMA member companies.
From core curriculum to continuing education through Mines ProEd, CMA supports this vital institution’s role in training the workforce that powers Colorado’s leadership in mining, engineering, and sustainability.
the Economic Outlook & Forum publicationPartnership With CU Boulder Leeds School of Business
CMA partners with the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business annually on the Economic Outlook & Forum. This annual publication covers a broad range of industries in Colorado, looks at recent market trends, and anticipates areas for future growth. The Economic Outlook not only provides an analysis of current economic markers, it also serves as an advertising tool for investment in the state to the Colorado business community as well as those from throughout the nation and overseas.
CMA works with the Leeds School of Business to provide data and analytics on mining and mineral commodities for the report and participates in the associated forum event to highlight the report’s findings.
Get Involved
Take an active role in shaping Colorado’s mining landscape by becoming a member and joining one of our high-impact member committees.