On Friday, August 8th, 2026, President Trump announced over $180 million in grants designed to enhance educational and trade programs within the mining industry, with the goal of increasing critical mineral production in the United States.

The announcement took place at a roundtable at the State Department, attended by educational leaders from institutions such as the Colorado School of Mines, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

The Department of Energy is launching a $100 million grant program aimed at expanding the mining and critical mineral workforce by significantly increasing the number of graduates in these fields over the next two years. This program is expected to financially support scholarships and other educational initiatives.

Additionally, the military is providing more than $80 million in funding to three universities: $32.7 million to the Colorado School of Mines for a technology development hub, $25 million to the South Dakota School of Mines for workforce development programs, and $23.6 million to Johns Hopkins University for a recycling-focused program.

The Colorado School of Mines stated that its hub will "test and scale new technologies for mineral processing, recovery, refining, recycling and advanced materials— and ultimately move those technologies into the domestic supply chain."

Data compiled by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration and the Society of Mining Professors shows that fewer than 600 people were enrolled in mining engineering programs nationwide in 2023, a decline from nearly 1,500 eight years earlier.

The White House also announced a series of military investments in mining companies, battery manufacturers, and other firms involved with critical minerals.

Notable Quotes

  • "Critical minerals are the raw materials of American strength that power everything from advanced weaponry to automobiles. We want these essential products to be mined, refined and made right here in the USA."
  • "For years, mining schools and colleges that are essential to training the future leaders of this industry have been absolutely and sadly disappearing."
  • The Colorado School of Mines will "test and scale new technologies for mineral processing, recovery, refining, recycling and advanced materials— and ultimately move those technologies into the domestic supply chain."

Sources

Trump announces $180 million to boost mining education - CBS News