Bill > S1130

This bill establishes a technology grant program through the Secretary of Energy to strengthen domestic mining education and address critical workforce needs in the mining sector. The bill creates a competitive grant program that will award up to 10 grants annually to mining schools, focusing on recruiting students and supporting educational programs in areas such as mineral extraction, critical mineral exploration, environmental mitigation, and reducing dependence on foreign energy supplies. A new six-member Mining Professional Development Advisory Board will be established to evaluate grant applications, recommend recipients, and provide oversight, with members equally split between industry professionals and academic experts. The grants can be used for various purposes including developing technologies for mineral extraction, improving mining practices, exploring new mineral deposits, and enhancing mining education programs. The bill aims to support the domestic mining industry by investing in educational infrastructure and training the next generation of mining engineers and professionals, with an authorized appropriation of $10 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2033. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act, effectively replacing it with this new grant program. The grants will prioritize geographic diversity and region-specific mining expertise to ensure comprehensive national coverage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1130/all-info