The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) is launching two programmes under its Mine of the Future initiative.
“DOE is committed to fostering a new generation of skilled miners and equipping them with the tools to lead the world in mineral production and processing technology,” said assistant secretary of Fossil Energy, Kyle Haustveit. “Through these new Mine of the Future programmes, DOE is making a significant investment to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions for the U.S. mining sector.”
The programmes aim to transform US mining practices and speed the development of a secure and resilient domestic critical mineral and material supply chain by using innovative mining technologies and processes.
The FE intends to provide up to $80m in federal funding for mining technology proving grounds that will support and accelerate technology development and processes. The funding could help to establish field sites for real-world testing, optimization and technology deployment. These sites will also serve as training grounds for miners.
FE will also provide up to $15m in federal funding for DOE’s National Laboratories to conduct research, development and demonstration activities that will advance DOE strategies to strengthen the domestic critical mineral supply chain.
