Critical Mineral Mining Education Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced
Summary
Expand the U.S. critical mineral mining workforce. This bill would create two Fulbright-style exchange programs to train U.S. students and bring foreign mining scholars to boost mining education, research, and international partnerships focused on critical minerals and supply-chain resilience.
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- U.S. students and early-career researchers: Fellowship slots would send U.S. undergraduate, graduate, or recent postdoctoral students to foreign mining programs for hands-on study and networking. Fellowships run at least one year and may be renewed for a second year; participants must intend to work in mining professions that benefit the U.S.
- U.S. colleges and academic programs: Visiting Mining Scholars would place foreign mining academics and professionals at U.S. institutions to help develop curricula, mentor students, and spur collaborative research. Scholar stays range from 3 months to 1 year and programs aim for at least 10 visiting scholars annually when feasible.
- Industry and foreign partnerships: The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs would coordinate with the Fulbright Board, U.S. embassies, industry leaders, and Minerals Security Partnership countries to prioritize host placements and practical training that strengthen domestic critical mineral capacity.
*Authorizes $10.0 million a year for FY2026 through FY2035 to fund both programs.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal funding for mining education
If enacted, the bill would authorize $10,000,000 per year to the Department of State for each fiscal year 2026 through 2035. The money would fund the Critical Mineral Mining Fellowship and the Visiting Mining Scholars programs, covering awards, allowances, and program operations. Actual spending would still require future appropriations.
Fellowships for U.S. mining students
If enacted, the bill would create a Critical Mineral Mining Fellowship through the Fulbright program. U.S. advanced STEM or mining students, recent postdocs, or applicants with a bachelor’s could be eligible if they plan to work in U.S. mining fields. Fellowships would generally last at least one year and may be renewed for a second year. The Bureau would pay tuition, living, visa, relocation, research, and other reasonable costs and must approve a work plan for each fellow.
Foreign mining scholars at U.S. schools
If enacted, the bill would create a Visiting Mining Scholars Program to bring foreign mining professionals and academics to U.S. colleges. Scholars would come from eligible countries and be placed at Bureau-approved U.S. institutions that commit faculty and facilities. Scholarship periods would run from three months up to one year (exceptions require Bureau approval), and each scholar would receive an allowance for reasonable living costs. The Bureau would approve each scholar's work plan and report on results annually.
How the programs would be run
If enacted, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs would run both programs under Fulbright Board guidance and in consultation with embassies, industry, and colleges. The Bureau would approve an individualized work plan for every participant and conduct targeted outreach to partners and applicants. The Secretary of State would report to Congress one year after the first cohort finishes and then each year with details on placements, demographics, feedback, and lessons learned.
New definitions for mining programs
If enacted, the bill would add definitions to the Fulbright law that shape who and what the programs cover. It would define 'critical mineral' by referencing the Energy Act of 2020 and would explicitly include gold and copper while letting the Secretary of State add more minerals. It would define 'mining industry' broadly to include exploration, processing, metallurgy, reclamation, recycling, and related activities. Several education terms would rely on existing Higher Education Act definitions.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
NV • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 1/12/2026
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
VA • D
Sponsored 1/12/2026
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
SC • R
Sponsored 1/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov