New Bill Proposes $10M Annual Grants for Mining Schools, Repeals Existing Institute Act

The "Mining Schools Act of 2025" proposes a new federal grant program aimed at boosting mining education across the United States. If enacted, it would authorize $10 million annually from fiscal year 2026 through 2033 for eligible mining schools. The core goals outlined in Section 2 are to strengthen domestic training programs, attract more students to the field, and ultimately reduce America's reliance on foreign sources for essential minerals and energy resources.

Fresh Funds for Future Miners

So, what could this money actually do? Section 2 details that the grants, capped at 10 per year, can be used for a few key things: recruiting students, beefing up existing mining-related programs (think curriculum updates or new equipment), and supporting efforts that align with decreasing dependence on foreign mineral supplies. Imagine a technical college near a potential mining region using these funds to launch a specialized training track, or a university investing in advanced simulation labs to give students hands-on experience without the risks of a real mine. The idea is to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for the domestic mining industry.

Calling the Shots: Who Gets the Grants?

Picking the winners falls primarily to the Secretary of Energy, who needs to consult with the Secretary of the Interior. A new six-member "Mining Professional Development Advisory Board" will be created, according to Section 2, specifically to review applications and recommend who should get the grants and how much. While the Board makes recommendations, the final decision rests with the Secretary of Energy, who must provide a statement if they choose to go against the Board's advice. It's worth noting the bill doesn't spell out highly detailed criteria for grant selection, leaving significant discretion in the hands of the Secretary, which could raise questions about how priorities are set.

Clearing the Decks: An Old Law Repealed

This bill doesn't just add something new; it also takes something away. Section 3 explicitly repeals the "Mining and Mineral Resources Institutes Act." The text of this new bill doesn't detail what the old Act specifically funded or supported. However, its repeal means that any existing programs, funding streams, or structures established under that law would cease. This could impact institutions or initiatives that currently rely on that framework, potentially leaving gaps as the new grant program ramps up. It's unclear from this bill alone who exactly benefited from the old Act and how they'll be affected by its removal.