MIRO currently manages over 20 projects at any one time that deal with issues relating to the mineral and extractive industries. These projects often lead to advances throughout the industry in the fields of technology, safety and environment: they are funded in a variety of ways including Member sponsorship, UK government and EU funding.

MIRO projects can be broadly separated into three categories;

Collaborative Research Projects
These projects focus on solving issues currently affecting the industry through the development of new products, techniques and processes, including but not limited to non-proprietary research where competitive advantage of individual partners is not an issue. Taking part in a collaborative research project of this type can enable companies to share expertise and assist those wishing to spread the cost or risk or lacking the resources to undertake the research on their own, to enter a partnership with a number of organisations.

Networks
Networks allow companies and individuals from the minerals, extractive and other industries to come together and discuss the issues affecting operations today, providing essential insight and ideas that will drive innovation forward in our industries. These projects aim to lead into the preparation of proposals for collaborative research projects.

Programmes
MIRO is engaged in developing links with industry associations, organisations and funding agencies to manage topical research programmes which may contain a portfolio of thematic research projects. For example, MIRO already manages two programmes for the aggregates industry on behalf of the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Both of these programmes are funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund and funding is distributed via calls for bids managed by MIRO on behalf of the funding agencies.