Groupe des Ecoles des Mines - Ecole des Mines de Paris: Historical background

When the School was established, the exploitation and processing of raw materials formed the basis of the development of Europe's economy. The art of mining in particular was one area to which scientific thinking had to be applied. Naturally, the skills of the School followed closely the development of the industry and the Ecole des Mines now studies, develops and teaches a very wide range of sciences and techniques of value to engineers, including economic and social sciences.

Originally with the mission of training civil mining engineers and the Corps des Mines, since the 1960s the School has developed its postgraduate research and teaching activities in liaison with industry and with the help of the Armines association.

1778 Creation of a chair of minerology and metallurgy by Louis XVI

1783 Founding of the School of Mines by Louis XVI at the Hôtel de la Monnaie (the Mint)

1802 2 new sites: Geislautern (Sarre) dedicated to iron and coal and Peisey Nancroix dedicated to lead, silver, copper and heat sources.

1816 Establishment of the Ecole des Mines at Hôtel Vendôme, its present site.

1967 Opening of research laboratories at Evry.

1969 Opening of research laboratories at Fontainebleau.

1976 Opening of research laboratories at Sophia Antipolis.