Trump Unveils $180 Million for Mining Education as U.S. Pushes Critical Minerals
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 7
Trump Unveils $180 Million for Mining Education as U.S. Pushes Critical Minerals
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 7
Summary
$180 million-plus in new grants will be announced Friday to expand mining education and trade programs, with Trump set to unveil the plan at a State Department roundtable.
$100 million from the Energy Department will fund scholarships and other programs to sharply increase mining and critical-minerals degree holders over the next two years, with universities, community colleges, trade schools and industry groups eligible.
More than $80 million in additional military funding is slated for three universities, including $32.7 million for Colorado School of Mines, $25 million for South Dakota School of Mines and $23.6 million for Johns Hopkins.
The funding backs the administration's drive to raise U.S. output of lithium, silicon, graphite and rare-earths—materials vital for semiconductors and aerospace—while reducing reliance on China's dominant mining and refining position.
The move also fits Trump's broader support for extractive industries after his administration pledged $700 million to coal plants and a coal export terminal in June and eased environmental rules on coal.