High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T, Tech, or Mines) is a public institution of higher learning in Rapid City, South Dakota governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Founded in 1885 as the Dakota School of Mines, Tech offers degree programs in engineering and science fields. 2,354 students were enrolled in fall 2010. The school athletic teams are called the Hardrockers.