Mines faculty member testifies before U.S. Senate committee on minerals workforce
Bill Zisch, J. Steven Whisler Head of Mining Engineering, speaks on a new vision for mining in future
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) welcomes witnesses to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety hearing June 12, including Bill Zisch, J. Steven Whisler Head of Mining Engineering at Colorado School of Mines (right).
Washington, D.C. — Bill Zisch, J. Steven Whisler Head of Mining Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, testified June 12 before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety. In a hearing led by Chairman John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Ranking Member Mike Braun (R-IN), the committee explored how the U.S. can strategically build the critical minerals workforce.
As global demand for critical minerals has surged, largely in response to clean energy goals, there is a growing recognition that achieving these goals will consume more minerals and require more mining. At the same time, it is estimated that half of the U.S. mining workforce, about 220,000 people, will retire by the end of the decade, and the talent pipeline is not sufficient to replace experienced mining professionals or meet demand.
“When it comes to minerals and their role in our modern world, our most critical resource is our people — skilled professionals equipped to responsibly manage our Earth’s resources and solve complex engineering and social challenges," Zisch said.
In his testimony, Zisch outlined a vision for the future of mining education and research that responds to the scientific, social and environmental challenges facing the sector and integrates innovation, advanced technologies and sustainable practices to optimize resource utilization, increase productivity and minimize environmental impact.
“At Mines, we are working to educate and prepare students for the essential link between mining, minerals, responsible resource management and sustainable energy,” Zisch said. "The opportunity before us is to engage and inspire the next generation of mining and mineral leaders with a passion for impactful careers in a sector innovating to support our economic, energy and security future.”
Colorado School of Mines, a public R1 research university focused on engineering and applied science, is a leading institution on the full mining and mineral lifecycle – from exploration to reclamation, as well as community engagement, economics and finance and public policy. According to 2024 QS World University rankings, Mines is home to the No. 1 mineral and mining engineering program in the world and to the only mineral and energy economics program in the United States.
A full video of the hearing as well as Zisch’s testimony can be found here.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
