This bill seeks to strengthen domestic mining education in the United States by establishing a new grant program. It mandates the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to create a competitive grant program specifically for eligible mining schools . The program will award up to 10 grants annually, prioritizing geographic diversity, to recruit and educate future mining engineers and professionals. Grant funds are intended to enhance programs focusing on areas such as critical mineral and rare earth element exploration and refining, reclamation technologies, and methods to reduce environmental impact. The legislation also establishes a Mining Professional Development Advisory Board , composed of six members from both the mining industry and academia. This Board will evaluate grant applications, recommend funding amounts to the Secretary, and oversee the proper use of grant funds. An appropriation of $10,000,000 annually is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2033 to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act, streamlining federal support for mining education.
This bill seeks to strengthen domestic mining education in the United States by establishing a new grant program. It mandates the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to create a competitive grant program specifically for eligible mining schools . The program will award up to 10 grants annually, prioritizing geographic diversity, to recruit and educate future mining engineers and professionals. Grant funds are intended to enhance programs focusing on areas such as critical mineral and rare earth element exploration and refining, reclamation technologies, and methods to reduce environmental impact. The legislation also establishes a Mining Professional Development Advisory Board , composed of six members from both the mining industry and academia. This Board will evaluate grant applications, recommend funding amounts to the Secretary, and oversee the proper use of grant funds. An appropriation of $10,000,000 annually is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2033 to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act, streamlining federal support for mining education.