Owens Welcomes American Critical Minerals Association Support of Mining Schools Act 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) welcomed the support of The American Critical Minerals Association for the Mining Schools Act, which would expand mining and geological programs at U.S. colleges and universities, ensuring students are equipped to meet the nation’s energy demands and bolster our national security by increasing the workforce and capacity to mine critical minerals domestically.

The Mining Schools Act provides grant support to strengthen domestic mining education programs and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, and other technical fields critical to America’s energy and national security needs. The legislation comes as the United States works to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries and to strengthen domestic critical minerals production and processing capabilities.

The Mining Schools Act was passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee in 2024.

“Amid continued U.S. investment in critical minerals projects, the United States must advance policies that support long-term growth, regulatory certainty, and the development of a sophisticated, robust workforce. Meeting this moment requires rapidly scaling efforts to recruit, train, and grow the mining and minerals workforce across the entire supply chain, ensuring a domestic talent pipeline with the highly specialized skills necessary for the production and processing of critical minerals and materials.” 

Sarah Venuto, ACMA’s Executive Director

“America’s leadership in critical minerals starts with our students and our universities. The Mining Schools Act expands opportunities for the next generation of engineers and skilled workers who will secure our supply chains and strengthen our national security. I’m grateful for ACMA’s support as we work to build that workforce and keep America competitive.”

Rep. Burgess Owens

What the Mining Schools Act Does

• Establishes a grant program for mining schools to receive funds to recruit students and carry out studies, research projects, and demonstration projects related to the production of minerals. 
• Establishes the Mining Professional Development Advisory Board to evaluate applications and recommend recipients to the Secretary of Energy, as well as conduct oversight to ensure that grant funds are appropriately used. 

The full text of the legislation is available here. 

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