US President Announces $100 Million Allocation to Train American Miners

Washington, July 8 (KUNA) – U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his administration has allocated $100 million to institutions specializing in training the next generation of American miners, as part of efforts to bolster the mining sector and reduce reliance on foreign imports of critical minerals.

Speaking at the outset of a roundtable meeting on the U.S. mining sector, Trump said that about half of the current workforce in the industry is expected to retire within the next three years, necessitating investment in training new personnel. He added that his administration had previously requested $10 million annually in funding for mining schools, but decided to increase the support to $100 million to train the next generation of American miners.

Trump emphasized that this move is part of efforts to achieve economic independence and ensure that the United States does not again rely on “hostile foreign countries” for the strategic resources needed to support future industries. He stressed that critical minerals represent the basic raw materials for American industrial strength, as they are used in the manufacture of advanced weapons, automobiles, and other industries. He confirmed that the administration aims to extract, refine, and manufacture these resources within the United States.

The U.S. president noted that the United States has lost more than 3,400 mines over the past three decades, but is currently witnessing a resurgence in the mining sector. He pointed out that his administration has approved more than 160 mining agreements worth nearly $40 billion over the past 18 months.

Trump clarified that the United States is opening new mines at the fastest pace since the 1950s, adding that coal production has reached “unprecedented levels.” (End) R.S.R. / H.M.F.