DOE to test cutting-edge mining technologies at four U.S. mines

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a new funding initiative totaling US $95 million known as “Mine of the Future,” aimed at accelerating innovation in mining and mineral processing technologies. $80 million will be earmarked for demonstration-scale projects. These will act as “proving grounds” within four U.S. mines, allowing novel mining technologies to be tested under operational conditions. The remaining $15 million is designated for research, design, and development efforts that underpin the scaling up of next-generation processing methods.

A central emphasis of the funding is on in-situ recovery (ISR) of ore bodies, an emerging technique that can reduce surface disruption by extracting minerals directly from rock while minimizing excavation. One cited example is the Florence copper project (Taseko Mines), which is exploring ISR approaches.

The DOE intends for its investment to catalyze advances in automation, digital mining, process intensification, and environmental performance. The funded projects are expected to integrate enhanced sensors, data analytics, robotics, and reduced energy or water usage. By embedding these technologies in active mine sites, their performance can be assessed under real-world stresses, including changing geology, variable feed grades, and operational interruptions.

For civil and environmental engineers, the program offers immediate opportunities to engage in frontier infrastructure development. Whether designing adaptive mine layouts, water and chemical networks, structural enclosures, or environmental monitoring and remediation systems, engineering firms and researchers will be vital to bridging innovation and deployment.