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Montana Tech Secures $1 Million to Build the Next Generation of Mining Talent

Montana Technological University’s EXTRACT program aims to strengthen critical minerals education through scholarships, practical training, and new pathways into mining careers

Butte, Montana, 27 October 2026 – Montana Technological University has received a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand education and workforce development in mining and critical minerals. The funding, provided through the PROSPECT Planning Prize, will support the university’s EXTRACT program, an initiative designed to prepare more students and professionals for careers across the minerals and materials industries.

The award comes as industries increasingly depend on critical minerals used in modern technologies, energy systems, manufacturing, and other essential applications. Mining these resources is only one part of the process. They must also be processed, recovered, and recycled, creating a need for skilled workers who understand different stages of the supply chain.

Montana Tech’s EXTRACT program aims to address this demand by making mining education more accessible and connecting students with practical learning opportunities. Rather than focusing only on traditional mining engineering degrees, the initiative will create multiple routes into the industry for students from different academic backgrounds.

One of the program’s priorities is to reduce the financial barriers that can prevent students from pursuing technical education. Undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships will help support those interested in mining and related fields. The university also plans to introduce specialized certificates, interdisciplinary minors, and a new course covering the fundamentals of the mining industry.

The initiative will also strengthen connections between colleges and universities. Through transfer agreements and partnerships with community colleges, students will have more opportunities to continue their education and move toward specialized careers. These pathways could help learners enter the workforce with relevant technical knowledge and practical skills.

Hands on experience will remain an important part of the program. Montana Tech plans to expand applied field learning, industry sponsored capstone projects, graduate education, and instructional capacity. Laboratory improvements and upgraded field equipment will further support student training and research.

The university also intends to introduce younger students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through expanded outreach programs. Planned activities include teacher fellowships, educational materials, summer camps, science fairs, and an annual mining symposium. These efforts are intended to help students understand mining and mineral science before they reach college.

Montana Tech will work with Montana State University, community colleges, school districts, and industry partners to build a connected education and training network. By bringing these groups together, the university hopes to create a more consistent path from early science education to advanced technical training and employment.

Associate Professor of Mining Engineering Chris Roos leads the EXTRACT initiative. The university sees the program as an opportunity to increase the number of qualified professionals entering the field while building a workforce pipeline that can support future industry needs.

Montana Tech is among 16 higher education institutions selected nationwide for the PROSPECT Planning Prize, which distributes $16 million to support workforce development plans. The awards are part of a broader Department of Energy initiative designed to expand education in critical minerals and related technologies. The program aims to help universities increase the number of graduates and qualified professionals entering these fields by the end of 2028.

With its focus on accessible education, industry partnerships, and practical training, Montana Tech’s EXTRACT program seeks to prepare students for the changing needs of the mining and critical materials sectors. Its approach highlights how universities can connect classroom learning with real-world skills while creating more opportunities for the next generation of technical professionals.