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Missouri S&T Experimental Mine: A Living Lab

Explore a real-world mining environment at Missouri S&T's Experimental Mine, where students learn and the public discovers the world beneath our feet.

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The Missouri University of Science and Technology's Experimental Mine offers a unique glimpse into the world of mining engineering. Established in 1921, this working mine provides hands-on experience for students and educational tours for the public, showcasing mining techniques and equipment.

A brief summary to Missouri University of Science and Technology's Experimental Mine

Local tips

  • Check the official website for tour schedules and availability, as they may vary.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes for safety, especially if you plan to tour the underground mine.
  • Consider visiting during the annual Haunted Mine event for a spooky and unique experience around Halloween.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Missouri S&T Experimental Mine is located off Bridge School Road in Rolla, approximately 1.5 miles from the main campus. From I-44, take exit 186 for US-63 toward Rolla. Head south on US-63, then turn left onto Bridge School Road. Continue for about a mile, and the mine will be on your left. Parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Missouri University of Science and Technology's Experimental Mine

The Missouri S&T Experimental Mine, a 25-acre facility located a short drive from the university's main campus, has been a cornerstone of mining education since 1921. Originally purchased in 1914, the site evolved from a simple underground mine and quarry into a comprehensive teaching and research environment for the Department of Mining Engineering. The mine features both surface and underground facilities, including dolomite quarries and approximately 2,000 feet of single-level drifts. Over the decades, students have been instrumental in its development, excavating the limestone and contributing to its expansion. The underground workings include four shafts that provide access to different areas of the mine. Today, the Experimental Mine serves as a living laboratory where students gain practical experience with real equipment and mining practices. They can design, drill, and blast drift openings, conduct mine ventilation surveys, evaluate mine roof conditions, and install roof supports. The mine is equipped with air compressors, rock drills, mucking machines, blasting seismographs, extensometers, a machine shop, and surveying instruments. A ventilation fan system allows for experimental data collection. In 2016, the Kennedy Experimental Mine Building was opened, providing modern classrooms, laboratory spaces, offices, and a mine rescue laboratory. The facility also houses a historic center for the mining industry, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The mine also provides guided tours and informational programs to introduce the general public, especially K-12 students, to the mining industry. It has also been the filming site for the lab portions of the Discovery series "The Detonators". Each summer, the Mine hosts Missouri S&T's Explosives Camp for rising 11th and 12th grade students. For some spooky fun, around Halloween each year, the mine is transformed into a haunted mine by the students.

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