— South Dakota Mines is set to receive $25 million in federal funding to expand mining education and workforce development as the U.S. works to strengthen its domestic critical minerals supply chain. "We are deeply grateful for President Trump's announcement of major federal investments in mining education and workforce development," Mitra said. "South Dakota Mines is proud to be selected for $25 million in funding to establish the Critical Minerals Merit Scholars Consortium." U.S.-accredited mining programs currently graduate fewer than 170 mining engineers annually, compared with more than 3,000 in China and a significant portion of the U.S. mining workforce is approaching retirement. South Dakota Mines has also added new critical minerals minors and continues research in areas including rare earth elements, advanced mineral processing and materials technologies.