Mining Schools Act of 2025

This measure creates a Department of Energy grant program to help U.S. mining schools recruit and train the next generation of mining engineers and other professionals. The program can award up to 10 competitive grants each year, spread across different regions to match local geology and needs. A six-member board with experts from industry and academia would review applications and advise on selections. The department must explain when it accepts or rejects the board’s advice and post that decision online shortly after awards. No new money is added; the program only runs if funds are available. It also repeals an older 1984 mining research law.

Grant funds may be used to recruit students and improve programs on critical minerals and rare earths, cleaner and safer mining and processing, mine cleanup and reclamation (including work at abandoned sites), recycling, and reducing reliance on foreign mineral supplies.

• Who is affected: Mining schools, students preparing for mining jobs, and the U.S. mining industry.
• What changes: DOE awards up to 10 grants yearly with geographic diversity; an expert board helps pick winners; reasons for accepting or rejecting board advice are posted; an older 1984 mining research law is repealed; no additional funds are authorized.
• When: Grants must be awarded by the later of 180 days after the start of each fiscal year or 180 days after full-year DOE funding is enacted; board members must be appointed within 180 days of enactment.