Grants for Mining Education: Strengthening Domestic Mineral Extraction and Technology.
This Act establishes a grant program for higher education institutions to train the next generation of mining engineers and professionals. The goal is to boost domestic production of critical minerals, reducing reliance on foreign supplies, which directly impacts national energy security and economic stability. The funds are also intended to support the development of technologies that minimize the environmental impact of mining.
Key points
Education Funding: The Department of Energy will award up to 10 grants annually to mining schools (mining, geological, engineering programs) for recruiting and educating specialists.
Research Priorities: Funds must be used to advance technologies for extraction, recycling, minimizing environmental impact, and focusing on critical minerals and rare earth elements.
Economic Impact: The objective is to increase domestic production of critical minerals, thereby strengthening supply chains and U.S. competitiveness.
Advisory Board Creation: A Mining Professional Development Advisory Board, composed of industry and academic experts, will be established to recommend grant recipients.
Repeal of Old Law: The Act repeals the existing Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984, replacing it with this new funding mechanism.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_912
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Process start date: 2023-03-22