The United States Bureau of Mines was established in 1910 as a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its primary mission was to promote the safe and efficient extraction of minerals and to conduct research on mining practices. The Bureau also focused on the conservation of mineral resources and the development of new technologies to improve mining operations. In 1996, the Bureau was officially dissolved, and its functions were transferred to other agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of Energy. Despite its closure, the Bureau's legacy continues to influence mining safety and resource management in the United States.