The US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the PROSPECT Implementation Prize through its Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI). The prize offers awards of up to US$70 million ($99.7 million) to support US universities expand the workforce needed for the domestic production, processing, recovery, and recycling of critical minerals.
The competition is part of the US$100 million initiative on Providing Opportunities for Specialised Education in Critical Technologies (PROSPECT).
The initiative also forms part of US President Donald Trump’s drive for American energy dominance, economic growth, domestic supply chains. The administration frames it as a step toward reducing reliance on foreign critical mineral sources.
Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson says that the PROSPECT Implementation Prize will enable President Trump’s plans to come to life.
“Universities are taking the necessary steps to deliver measurable results, from expanding student support through scholarships, to modernising curricula with new training modules, certificates, and Super Intelligence,” Robertson states.
“The Trump Administration is committed to freeing America from dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals that are essential to powering our economy, and creating good-paying, fulfilling jobs for Americans.”
PROSPECT aims to double the number of graduates in mining, minerals, and associated supply chain industries within two years. The Implementation Prize directs specialty funding to universities to expedite workforce-expansion plans.
The prize will help to put key workforce development programs into action with measurable results.
The DOE notes a growing shortage of skilled mining-industry labour in the US. Around 6,000 new mining engineers will be needed over the coming decade.
“Expanding America’s talent pipeline is essential to strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign nations for critical minerals,” the DOE reports.
Also key to note is that these jobs offer strong earning potential, with a median annual wage of US$106,220 in 2025.
Applications are now open for the PROSPECT prize, and US-based academic institutions offering eligible mining engineering programs are encouraged to apply. The first phase closes on 25 November 2026.
The prize is co-funded by CMEI and is being managed by the National Laboratory of the Rockies.
With the race for critical minerals intensifying, building a skilled workforce may prove just as important as developing new mines and processing capacity in securing future supply.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Main image: National Laboratory of the Rockies
