Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 16

First up, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced $10.5 million in grant funding to strengthen mine safety and health training nationwide. Through the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s 2025 State Grants Program, state, tribal and territorial governments can apply for support to deliver federally mandated training for miners across surface, underground coal and metal and nonmetal operations. MSHA will cover up to 80 percent of program costs, with recipients contributing at least 20 percent. The agency is encouraging a special focus on small mining operations and on training miners in the extraction of critical minerals, including coal. The funding also emphasizes educating workers on their statutory rights under the Mine Safety and Health Act. Applications are due September 9th, with awards announced by the end of that month.

Next, in Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has proposed nearly $1 billion to accelerate the domestic development of critical minerals and materials, which are key components for electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and other technologies. The plan would boost U.S. mining, processing and manufacturing capabilities in areas where China and other countries currently dominate. The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains is earmarking $500 million for processing and battery manufacturing, $135 million to bolster the rare earth element supply chain, and $250 million to help facilities, including coal plants, recover mineral byproducts from industrial processes. Another $50 million is set aside for refining and alloying essential elements like gallium and germanium for use in high-tech applications.

Finally, a leadership change is on the horizon for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. SME has announced that Melissa Russell will become its next Executive Director and CEO, succeeding Dave Kanagy after his 21 years of leadership. Russell, who has led the IEEE Computer Society since 2018, brings more than three decades of experience in nonprofit association management and a strong background in technology, sustainability and international engagement. She officially steps into her new role as incoming Executive Director on September 29, 2025, and will work alongside Kanagy during a transition period until his retirement in March 2026.

For full details on these stories and more, visit our online magazine at me.smenet.org