US HB7021

Establishes the Critical Mineral Mining Fellowship Program within the Fulbright Program to send U.S. students abroad to study at foreign mining institutions, primarily in Minerals Security Partnership member countries, with fellowships lasting at least 1 year and covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs

Creates the Visiting Mining Scholars Program to bring foreign mining academics and professionals to U.S. universities to help develop and expand domestic mining education programs, with placements lasting 3 months to 1 year and at least 10 scholars selected annually

Addresses critical workforce shortage in the U.S. mining industry, where 50% of the current workforce is expected to retire within 5 years and only 14 universities offered mining programs in 2023

Expands the definition of critical minerals to include gold, copper, and any mineral the Secretary of State determines essential to economic or national security with vulnerable supply chains

Authorizes $10 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 to fund both programs, administered by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs