Briana Heaney Published

Bluefield State Expanding Mining Curriculum

A Black man stands at a podium speaking into a microphone. He is bald, wearing glasses, and a blue suit jacket with a blue tie.
Bluefield State’s President Darrin Martin said this investment will help secure America's supply chain of critical minerals used to make batteries. 
Courtesy of Bluefield State University
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Bluefield State University is teaming up with the Virginia Institute of Technology to develop a curriculum that will help the region’s economy.

Bluefield State’s existing mining engineering program will participate in Virginia Tech’s “Expand Appalachia Project.” The goal: to further mining opportunities in the region. 

Bluefield State’s President Darrin Martin said this investment will help secure America’s supply chain of critical minerals used to make batteries. 

“This collaboration represents a transformative opportunity for Bluefield State University and our entire region,” Martin said. “This consortium strengthens our mission to provide cutting-edge educational opportunities while contributing to the economic revitalization of Appalachia. This partnership will create valuable research opportunities for our students, faculty, and local industry while helping to secure America’s critical mineral supply chain.”

The U.S. Department of Energy has invested nearly $10 million into the project.

Brad Crabtree, assistant secretary of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management said the investment will create high paying jobs and help the nation become more energy independent. 

“Rebuilding a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and materials here at home will both safeguard our national security and support the continued development of a clean energy and industrial economy,”  Crabtree said. 

The project brings together the University of Kentucky, Penn State University, West Virginia University, and Bluefield State University, industry partners and government agencies. 

Bluefield State is the only Historically Black College or University with a mining engineering program. The four year bachelor’s program has partnered with industry to develop the curriculum. 

A press release announcing the partnership said part of its partnership with industry means students can receive paid internships and scholarships from companies in the mining industry.