Launch Catch-Up — Award Announced October 26, 2026
Colorado School of Mines said October 26 that it was selected for a $1 million Department of Energy prize to develop its mining and critical-minerals workforce programs.
The university’s award is part of DOE’s $16 million PROSPECT Planning Prize, which supports institutional strategies for increasing the number of graduates and skilled professionals entering mining and minerals-related industries.
Mines plans to expand enrollment in mining and processing programs, launch a program focused on mineral processing, extractive metallurgy and recycling, and encourage students in related science and engineering fields to enter the sector.
The university said its mining-engineering enrollment had doubled over the preceding three years. The new proposal aims to extend approaches it has already used to attract students.
The award supports education and workforce planning. The announcement does not establish that the proposed program is already operating or that graduates have filled future industry vacancies.
Sources Colorado School of Mines — October 26 award announcement: https://www.mines.edu/news/all-news/2026/mines-receives-1m-doe-prospect-prize-to-expand-critical-minerals-workforce.html