Guide to the North Carolina State University, Minerals Research Laboratory Records, 1945-1994

Descriptive Summary

Repository: North Carolina State University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center
Creator: North Carolina State University. Minerals Research Laboratory.
Title: North Carolina State University, Minerals Research Laboratory Records, 1945-1994
Call Number: UA 105.032
Extent: 1 linear feet, 2 boxes
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Special Collections Research Center Reference Staff.
Language of Material: English

Information for Users

Restrictions to Access: This collection is open for research; access requires at least 24 hours advance notice.
Acquisitions Information: Transferred from the Minerals Research Laboratory
Preferred Citation: [Identification of item], North Carolina State University, Minerals Research Laboratory Records, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Copyright Notice: The nature of the NCSU Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NCSU Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.
Proccessing Information: Processed by Special Collections Staff

Encoded by Steven Mandeville-Gamble, 2005 December

Historical Note

The Minerals Research Laboratory (MRL), located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a part of the North Carolina State University's College of Engineering. The main focus of MRL's research is the beneficiation of industrial minerals. MRL's experience in industrial minerals is unmatched by any university laboratory in the United States. This laboratory is unique in the sense that it exemplifies the much sought after partnership between industry, government and academia in conducting effective research. Most of MRL's research efforts are conducted for corporate sponsors. Public service projects are also undertaken. MRL's state-of-the-art facility is equipped with mineral processing equipment and an analytical support facility for mineral characterization.

As part of a land grant Institution, technical assistance and service to the public is also part of the MRL mission. MRL has worked towards relating its purpose and activities to the general public by establishing an educational outreach program known as 'Down to Earth.' MRL also sponsors professional seminars at its facilities in Asheville. These seminars count toward continuing professional competency requirements for Professional Engineers. The MRL library contains one of the best reference sources for mineral processing information in the southeastern United States and is available for public use.

The Minerals Research Laboratory started operations in July 1946, under a joint venture between North Carolina State College and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The city of Asheville donated the land where the building is located. The laboratory operated under the cooperative State/TVA arrangement until 1954, when the MRL was placed entirely under the Department of Engineering Research at North Carolina State College. Today it remains a part of NC State University.

MRL was established to assist in the development of North Carolina's mineral resources through research and development. Research concentrated on industrial (nonmetallic and nonfuel) minerals found in North Carolina and was mostly state funded. Gradually most of the research has shifted from state funded projects to individual corporate sponsorship from all over the world. MRL's research activities have greatly contributed toward increasing the value of North Carolina's mineral wealth.

NB: This historical note was pulled in part from the laboratory history at http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/mrl/history.htm

Scope and Content Note

The collection contains reports, committee records, proposals, brochures, and correspondence pertaining to operation of the minerals engineering program and research laboratory in Asheville, North Carolina. Of special interest is a contract between the Minerals Research Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Organization of the Collection

Contents are arranged alphabetically by topic.

Online Catalog Terms

The following terms have been used to index the guide to the collection in the NCSU Library's online catalog.

Topics

Engineering--Research--North Carolina.
Engineering--Research grants.
Engineering--Study and teaching--North Carolina.
Minerals--Study and teaching--North Carolina.
Tennessee Valley Authority

Detailed Description of the Collection

American Ceramic Society, Southeastern Section, 1966 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Brochures, 1985, undated [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Committees, Advisory Meetings, 1963-1972 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Committees, Advisory Meetings, 1973-1988 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Reports, 1958-1966 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
General Correspondence, 1968-1973 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Historical, 1970-1972 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Minerals Engineering Program, 1977 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Position Announcements, 1985-1994 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Programs: Mineral Exploration within the Ordovician Volcanic Arc, 1966 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Progress Reports, August, 1963 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Progress Reports, December, 1963 [UA 105.032 Box 1]
Progress Reports, 1964 [UA 105.032 Box 2]
Progress Reports, 1965 [UA 105.032 Box 2]
Publications List, 1971-1981 [UA 105.032 Box 2]
Tennessee Valley Authority, Contract, 1945-1950 [UA 105.032 Box 2]