The U.S. Departments of Energy and Labor signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that establishes a framework to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, advanced sensors, and other emerging technologies throughout the nation\u2019s mining industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The five-year agreement strengthens federal coordination to advance mining innovation while improving worker safety, increasing productivity and supporting the secure domestic production of critical minerals. By combining DOE\u2019s expertise in energy technologies and resource recovery with DOL\u2019s longstanding leadership in mine safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s security and economic future depend on developing a strong domestic mining sector,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. \u201cBy pairing the Energy Department\u2019s technical expertise with the Labor Department\u2019s leadership on mine safety, we can support American miners, secure domestic supply chains, and put cutting-edge technology to work for the people who power our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Under the agreement, the DOE\u2019s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation will collaborate closely with the DOL\u2019s Mine Safety and Health Administration to share non-proprietary data, research, and technical expertise that supports the deployment of next-generation mining technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership will focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Fostering collaborative research and development<\/strong>. Conducting joint research, testing, and demonstration projects involving AI, automation, advanced sensors, and other technologies that improve mining operations.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leveraging federal expertise<\/strong>. Working with multidisciplinary teams at DOE\u2019s National Energy Technology Laboratory Coal Center of Excellence to accelerate technology development and deployment.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improving mine safety<\/strong>. Applying advanced technologies to strengthen hazard detection, reduce mining accidents, and enhance emergency preparedness and response.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Facilitating workforce development<\/strong>. Identifying future workforce needs and supporting education and training opportunities that equip miners with the skills needed for increasingly technology-driven operations.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enhancing data access and digitization<\/strong>. Working with stakeholders to digitize legacy mining data and improve public datasets that support characterization of domestic mineral resources, including on federally managed lands.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday\u2019s agreement ensures that the Department of Labor and the Department of Energy will work side by side to prepare the mining workforce, advance mining technology, and support the safe production of the coal that powers America\u2019s future,\u201d Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n