Colorado School of Mines has appointed Alicia Polo y La Borda Cavero as the executive director of critical minerals strategy and advancement. With 25 years of experience in the mining industry, Polo y La Borda brings extensive expertise in mineral economics, market analysis, business strategy, and project management from various roles across the private sector, government, and academia in the U.S., South America, and Europe.
Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, copper, and lithium, are essential for modern technologies such as data centers, satellites, and medical devices. Mines President Paul C. Johnson emphasized the importance of securing a reliable supply chain for these materials, stating, “Having a secure and resilient critical minerals supply chain is key to our economy and national defense.” He highlighted the need to connect the university’s resources with industry and government demands, a challenge Polo y La Borda is expected to address.
Before her new role, Polo y La Borda served as the Director of Outreach and Research at The Copper Mark, focusing on responsible copper production practices. She has also been involved with Mines as the project manager for collaborations with Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa in Peru.
“Colorado School of Mines brings a unique value proposition to the critical minerals sector,” she said, highlighting the university’s extensive expertise and global presence in the mineral value chain. She aims to connect ongoing research at the university with industry needs to develop effective solutions for the critical minerals sector.
Polo y La Borda’s background includes roles at various organizations across Peru, Chile, the UK, and the U.S. She holds a Master of Laws in Mineral Law & Policy from the University of Dundee and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad del Pacifico.
“My job is to connect what is happening in the lab with a wider audience,” she said, expressing her commitment to engaging with downstream stakeholders in the mining industry.
The primary source was Mines Newsroom.
