Sec. 201 Technology grants
In general— The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to conduct studies, research, and demonstration projects relating to the production of critical minerals, including—
studies of mining, mineral extraction efficiency, and related processing technology;
reclamation technology and practices for active mining operations;
the development of remining systems and technologies that facilitate reclamation that fosters the recovery of resources at abandoned mine sites;
investigations of mineral resource extraction methods that reduce environmental and human impacts;
reducing dependence on foreign energy and mineral supplies;
enhancing the competitiveness of United States energy and mineral technology exports;
the extraction or processing of coinciding mineralization, including rare earth elements, within coal, coal processing byproduct, overburden or coal residue;
enhancing technologies and practices related to mitigation of acid mine drainage, reforestation, and revegetation in the reclamation of land and water resources adversely affected by mining;
meeting challenges of extreme mining conditions, such as deeper deposits or offshore or cold region mining; and
mineral economics, including analysis of supply chains, future mineral needs, and unconventional mining resources.
Minimum amount for mining schools— Of amounts expended pursuant to this section, not less than 70 percent shall be expended to enhance and support mining and mineral engineering programs at mining schools in the United States.
Public participation— The Secretary shall consult with relevant stakeholders and provide a significant opportunity for participation by undergraduate and graduate students at mining schools.
Authorization of appropriations— There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030.
Mining school— In this title, the term “mining school” means a mining, metallurgical, or mineral engineering program or department accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., that is located at an institution of higher education (as that term is defined in section 631(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1132(a))) in the United States.