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Butte Today
By the People, for the People
Burgum and Zinke Tour Montana Tech's Critical Minerals Labs
The Interior Secretary and Montana Congressman discuss reviving mining jobs in the state.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke visited Montana Tech University in Butte, Montana to tour the school's advanced mineral research labs, receive a briefing on the latest engineering technology, and host a roundtable discussion with local stakeholders about the Trump administration's efforts to bring mining jobs back to the state.
Why it matters
Montana has significant deposits of critical minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium that are essential for modern technologies. The visit highlights the administration's focus on developing domestic mineral resources to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign imports and boost local economies through mining jobs.
The details
During their visit, Burgum and Zinke toured Montana Tech's mineral research facilities, which are developing new extraction and processing techniques to make mining these resources more efficient and environmentally sustainable. They also discussed the school's partnerships with industry and government to advance mining innovation and workforce development.
- The visit took place on February 28, 2026.
The players
Doug Burgum
The U.S. Secretary of the Interior, appointed by President Trump to oversee federal lands and natural resources.
Ryan Zinke
A U.S. Congressman representing Montana, who previously served as Secretary of the Interior under President Trump.
Montana Tech University
A public research university in Butte, Montana that specializes in engineering, science, and technology programs, particularly related to mining and mineral extraction.
What they’re saying
“We must continue to invest in American mining to reduce our reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. Montana Tech is at the forefront of developing the technologies and workforce to make that a reality.”
— Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior (Mirage News)
“Bringing mining jobs back to Montana is a top priority. The innovations happening at Montana Tech will be crucial to revitalizing this industry and creating good-paying jobs in our state.”
— Ryan Zinke, U.S. Congressman, Montana (Mirage News)
What’s next
The administration is expected to announce new policies and funding initiatives to support domestic critical minerals production in the coming months, drawing on the expertise and research from universities like Montana Tech.
The takeaway
The visit underscores the Trump administration's focus on reducing U.S. reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals by investing in American mining capabilities, with Montana poised to play a key role through its world-class research and engineering programs.
