These publications are kept for reference in the Tech library. By furnishing vital scientific information and advice, the Bureau aids in the establishment of new mining and petroleum operations and new mineral industries in the state, as well as in the expansion and diversification of existing mineral-resources industries. The extensive laboratories of the Bureau are designed and equipped for experimentation in a wide variety of areas useful to the mineral industries. These facilities are used not only in the Bureau programs, but also are available for use in instructional programs by students majoring in geology, metallurgy, materials, mining, and petroleum. From 40 to 60 graduate and undergraduate students are employed by the Bureau.
Students work on projects and in laboratories and offices.
The research program emphasizes enhanced oil recovery which can be applied to many of the older oil fields in New Mexico. The PRRC also serves as a source of information on enhanced recovery for the oil industry in New Mexico and for research specialists in oil companies and government agencies. Most research projects are sponsored by the state and federal governments, but cooperative projects with both major and independent oil companies are also under way. New Mexico Tech was selected to house the PRRC because Tech offers the only petroleum engineering degree program in the state. PRRC research programs offer students a chance to participate in front-line research in petroleum engineering while pursuing their academic training.