WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced bipartisan legislation today to bolster America’s mining workforce and energy security by strengthening opportunities in mining education.

The Mining Schools Act of 2025 will help strengthen America’s declining mining workforce in anticipation of increased demand for minerals and traditional energy resources. The legislation would establish a grant program for use by higher education institutions to recruit students and carry out research or demonstration projects related to mineral production. This will encourage students to pursue mining and strengthen America’s energy and mineral security by decreasing reliance on adversarial countries for natural resources.

“America’s mining workforce fuels our energy independence from China, Russia, and other adversaries,” said Senator Barrasso. “Support for our mining schools will help us maintain our energy dominance worldwide and secure access to the critical minerals and resources necessary for our economy and national security. This bipartisan legislation will ensure America’s mining workforce is strengthened for generations to come.”

“We need to harness critical minerals to reach our clean energy future and the jobs that come with it. We can’t compete with China without investing in a skilled workforce. That starts at schools like Colorado School of Mines,” said Senator Hickenlooper.

“A skilled workforce is critical for our national security and energy dominance, both of which rely on a strong domestic mining industry,” stated Parag Chitnis, Vice President of Research and Economic Development at the University of Wyoming. “The Mining Schools Act, championed by Senators Barrasso and Hickenlooper, will empower universities in mining states to meet this vital national need.”

“When it comes to the critical materials vital to advanced technologies and national security, perhaps our most valuable resource is the next generation of mining professionals,” said Dr. Copan, Vice President for Research & Technology Transfer at Colorado School of Mines. “Thank you to Senator Hickenlooper and Senator Barrasso for their bipartisan leadership on the Mining Schools Act and commitment to supporting the mining and minerals workforce equipped to responsibly manage Earth’s resources and solve complex engineering challenges.”

“Ramping up American mining is a national imperative to meet the skyrocketing demand and secure our minerals future. This requires a modern mining workforce, and this bill supports efforts to educate, train, attract and retain the talent the mining sector needs for the future. Mining requires everything from engineering to advanced data and analytical sciences—fields that require diverse and specialized training. We applaud reintroduction of the bipartisan Mining Schools Act by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and urge swift action to pass this important legislation into law.” – Rich Nolan, president and CEO, National Mining Association

Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

The Mining Schools Act of 2025 would:

• Establish a grant program for mining schools to receive funds in order to recruit students and carry out studies, research projects, or demonstration projects related to the production of minerals.

• Establish 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.

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