MI HB6218

Amends the Rural Development Fund Act to expand its purpose to include making loans, grants, and investments for rural sustainability and infrastructure.

Creates a new nonferrous mining research grant program requiring the Department of Natural Resources to award grants to public colleges and universities in Michigan with focus on mining, geology, or related fields for qualified research projects.

Establishes application process, selection criteria, and grant dispersal procedures for the mining research program to be posted on the department's website.

Requires at least $100,000 of annual Rural Development Fund revenue to fund the nonferrous mining research grant program.

Defines "qualified research project" as research advancing knowledge regarding processing, reclamation, or mining activities related to nonferrous metallic minerals.