Explosives Research Lab (ERL)

The mission of the Mines Explosives Research Lab (ERL) is to leverage the research, facilities, processes, capabilities and experience of the Colorado School of Mines Mining Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments to assist customers with explosive research and testing.

Mines ERL (formerly known as “AXPRO”) was established in 2002 to investigate explosive applications such as rock fragmentation, explosive properties, explosive welding, explosive synthesis and the effect of explosives on structures and humans. Mines ERL was established with the encouragement of industrial and government partners to meet the heightened demand and immediate need for highly trained explosives professionals in both private and government sectors. Mines ERL is positioned to leverage the unique strength in undergraduate and graduate engineering at one of the premier engineering institutions in the world. Our technical staff helps to oversee the graduate and undergraduate explosive research programs at Mines. The research scope is focused on developing practical solutions for unique applications in partnership with industry and government.

Colorado School of Mines is a public research university devoted to engineering and applied science located in Golden, Colorado. It has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S. In addition to strong education and research programs in traditional fields of science and engineering, Mines is one of a few institutions in the world having broad expertise in energetic (explosives) education and research.