Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology

The Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology, part of the university’s department of geological sciences, coordinates educational and research efforts involving the department, the Nevada minerals industry, the Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology and the U.S. Geological Survey. This partnership ensures a greater understanding of the geology, geochemistry and genesis of Nevada’s Carlin-type gold deposits as well as other types of mineral deposits.

The center has two mutually supportive goals: 1) preparing well-educated professionals for careers in the mineral industry and/or research by interacting with faculty, the mineral’s industry professionals and professionals in the USGS and NBMG; and 2) producing high quality research results for the state’s minerals industry on topics of critical interest. Collateral benefits include increasing cooperation, collaboration and communication among the participating groups.

The Nevada minerals industry has provided funding for establishment of the center and continues annual support in addition to providing advice to and logistical support of the center’s research projects. Additional benefits for the center come from the Steven A. Roberts endowment which provides financial support of graduate student research projects.