Research

The Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology (CMRET)

The CMRET is the offshore branch of MMRI. It was was established by Congress in 1988 as part of the Mineral Institutes Program as The Marine Mineral Technology Center, and it was reauthorized under the Marine Minerals Resources Research Act of 1996 as CMRET.  It is administrated by the BOEM (former MMS). The primary objective of the CMRET is to investigate and to assess mineral resources within the US Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) including rigorous study of the seafloor ecological conditions. CMRET fosters the development of selected mineral material from US seabed by providing opportunities for appropriate engineering system research, development, and technology transfer within academic, government and industrial community. The Center also provides leadership and facilities for education and training of the nation’s scientists and engineers in the field of ocean mineral development.

Land-based Research at MMRI

​ MMRI has made land-based mineral resources and related environmental research a priority within Mississippi and beyond for over 50 years. A wide range of projects have been conducted such as evaluating critical minerals, tree canopy loss, estimating mine reserves, aquifer studies, hazard mitigation, and geologic mapping. MMRI primarily utilizes geophysical methods, GIS, remote sensing, and core drilling and sampling. Recent funding sources include the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state funding, private companies, and U.S. Geological Survey. MMRI collaborates with federal and state agencies and universities. For reports and open-file reports detailing previous MMRI projects, please visit eGROVE.