Department of Energy Launches $100 Million Initiative to Build America’s Critical Minerals Workforce, Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) announced a Notice of Intent for up to $100 million to expand America’s critical minerals workforce. The initiative supports President Trump’s agenda to restore U.S. energy dominance, rebuild domestic supply chains, and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries for materials vital to modern energy, manufacturing, and defense technologies.
Montana Technological University was an invited guest for the announcement as a key institution educating the next generation of mining engineers. University representatives in attendance included Chancellor Johnny MacLean, Associate Professor Chris Roos, and students Jordan Niggemyer and Michael Shaw.
Montana Tech is home to one of only 14 accredited mining engineering programs in the nation. It leads the country in hands-on mining education through its unique Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC)—the nation's only campus-based underground training facility. Spanning over 3,000 feet of underground workings across the historic Orphan Boy and Orphan Girl mines, the UMEC offers an interdisciplinary environment where students, faculty, and industry partners conduct advanced research in underground mining methods and rock mechanics, ventilation and fragmentation, mine safety protocols, and geothermal energy utilization.
Montana Tech offers comprehensive academic pathways in the field, including an A.A.S. in Mining Technology alongside B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mining Engineering.
Friday’s event marked a historic milestone as it was the mining industry’s first White House invitation since 1910 under President Taft, and the first in history that schools of mines were included.
"Montana Tech is proud to stand at the forefront of preparing the next generation of mining engineers and critical mineral specialists," said Chancellor Johnny MacLean. "This DOE initiative directly aligns with our purpose to meet America’s emerging needs by preparing the next generation of STEM leaders to secure our nation’s most vital supply chain and energy security needs."
The newly announced Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies (PROSPECT) initiative addresses critical labor shortages across the minerals and materials supply chain. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the nation will require approximately 6,000 new mining engineers over the next decade, along with significant talent in materials science, processing, and recycling. The goal of PROSPECT is the double the number of graduates with degrees in mining, minerals, and supply chain technologies along with implementing new curricula, modern teaching tools, scholarships, financial aid, and incentives to sustain long-term enrollment and industry growth.
"Thanks to President Trump's leadership, the United States is rebuilding the industrial base and workforce needed to restore American energy dominance and secure our critical mineral supply chains," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "A strong domestic mining and minerals workforce is essential to powering America's future, strengthening our national security, and ending our dependence on foreign adversaries. Through the PROSPECT initiative, the Department is investing in the next generation of American engineers, scientists, and skilled workers."
"Our brightest students are looking for a challenge—and a calling," said Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. "PROSPECT invites them to work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and their country’s highest strategic priorities. This unprecedented investment will funnel homegrown talent into fulfilling, high-demand careers at the forefront of America’s industrial renaissance."
To learn more about this nationwide initiative, visit the PROSPECT Webpage. To explore degree offerings and research at Montana Tech, visit www.mtech.edu.