On March 14, 1927, the New Mexico State legislature approved an act establishing the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, assigning it the responsibility for applied research into the geology and mineral resources of the state. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a division of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), the bureau has a long tradition of working closely with undergraduate and graduate students from New Mexico Tech and other universities throughout the state, teaching and providing cooperative and financial support. In recent years the director has served as state geologist. We are head quartered on the campus of New Mexico Tech in Socorro, with satellite offices in Albuquerque and Carlsbad. In 2001 our name was changed to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Natural Resources. The bureau is a service and research division of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. It acts as the geologic survey of New Mexico with these main goals:
To conduct research and interact with state, local, and federal agencies and industry to facilitate prudent exploitation of the state's geologic resources. To distribute accurate information to scientists, decision makers, and the New Mexico public regarding the state's geologic infrastructure, mineral and energy resources, and geohydrology (including water quantity and quality). To provide timely information of potential geologic hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic events, soils- and subsidence-related problems, and flooding. To create accurate, up-to-date (digital and GIS-based) maps of the state's geology and resource potential. To act as a repository for cores, well cutting, and a wide variety of geological data. To provide convenient physical and internet access for New Mexicans to such resources. To provide public education and outreach through college teaching and advising, the Mineral Museum, and teacher- and student-training programs.
