Montana Technological University has been awarded $6.5 million from Department of Defense using Defense Production Act (DPA) authorities to create seven online stackable certificates that will grow the workforce needed to boost domestic supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Critical minerals and rare earth elements are necessary for advanced manufacturing of modern technology, but currently they are sourced from foreign countries, creating national defense concerns.

The certificates will upskill the labor force, which has been detrimentally impacted by the loss of accredited educational programs in the U.S. over the past several years. Very few programs that do remain offer remote courses. Students will take courses online in Extractive Metallurgy; Mineral Processing; Mineral Deposit Exploration; Hydrogeology of Mines; Mining Engineering; Mineral Project Management & Evaluation, and Environmental Management for Mining Operations.

Classes will launch in Fall 2025.