The American Critical Minerals Association Commends Bipartisan Leaders for Advancing the Mining Schools Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bianca Barrios
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA) commends Representative Burgess Owens, Representative Jim Costa, Senator John Barrasso, and Senator John Hickenlooper for their leadership in introducing and advancing the Mining Schools Act, a bipartisan effort that strengthens America’s ability to train the next generation of mining and minerals professionals.
“Amid continued U.S. investment in critical minerals projects, the United States must advance policies that support long‑term growth, regulatory certainty, and the development of a sophisticated, robust workforce,” said Sarah Venuto, ACMA’s Executive Director. “Meeting this moment requires rapidly scaling efforts to recruit, train, and grow the mining and minerals workforce across the entire supply chain, ensuring a domestic talent pipeline with the highly specialized skills necessary for the production and processing of critical minerals and materials.”
By providing grant support to strengthen domestic mining education programs, the Mining Schools Act creates a vital pathway to train the engineers, geologists, metallurgists, and technical professionals needed to sustain U.S. competitiveness and resiliency.
Bill Zisch, Mining Engineering Department Head at the Colorado School of Mines, emphasized the need for American workforce training, noting, “Securing our nation’s future depends on more than just the minerals—it requires a pipeline of scientists and engineers, as well as the faculty who train them. Thank you to the American Critical Materials Association (ACMA) for its support of the bipartisan Mining Schools Act and its commitment to supporting the next generation of mining and mineral professionals.”
Rep. Burgess Owens (R‑UT) also stressed the importance of investing in America’s future workforce, stating, “America’s leadership in critical minerals starts with our students and our universities. The Mining Schools Act expands opportunities for the next generation of engineers and skilled workers who will secure our supply chains and strengthen our national security. I’m grateful for ACMA’s support as we work to build that workforce and keep America competitive.”
Rep. Jim Costa (D‑CA) highlighted the urgency of strengthening domestic production, noting, “Now more than ever, it is clear that the United States must strengthen and expand domestic mining and critical mineral production. As China continues to dominate large portions of the global critical minerals supply chain, we need to invest in American innovation, workforce development, and domestic production to remain competitive. I’m proud to see ACMA support this bipartisan bill that will help train the next generation of mining professionals, reduce our dependence on foreign sources, and strengthen America’s energy and economic security.”
This alignment between industry, academia, and policymakers reinforces the broad consensus behind the Mining Schools Act and the urgent need to invest in the workforce that will power the nation’s critical minerals future.
Both the House and Senate versions of the legislation are currently awaiting consideration in their respective Natural Resources Committees. As the legislation continues to move through Congress, ACMA will remain a strong advocate for this bipartisan effort and urges lawmakers to advance and pass the Mining Schools Act.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN CRITICAL MINERALS ASSOCIATION (ACMA)
The American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA) is a nonprofit organization administered by Cornerstone Government Affairs and dedicated to advancing a secure, independent U.S. critical minerals supply chain. ACMA works to ensure today’s policy decisions support the long‑term strategic growth of this sector, which is vital not only for batteries but for the broader American economy. Through deep policy expertise, strong bipartisan relationships, and a commitment to sustainable domestic development paired with allied partnerships, ACMA has quickly become a leading advocate for a resilient, competitive U.S. critical minerals ecosystem
