STRP

Montana State University

Enhancing Local Benefits in Critical Mineral Mining- Training and Support for Community Benefits Agreements

Lead: Eric Sproles, Associate Professor, Department of Earth Sciences

Intellectual Property Status: Invention disclosure

ABSTRACT

The transition to clean energy relies on mining essential metals and rare-earth materials, presenting both opportunities and challenges for local communities. A prominent strategy to ensure equitable benefits from federal investments involves the use of Community Benefit Plans (CBPs) and Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) between industry firms and local entities. Despite an extensive and growing literature on mining-CBAs, there is a lack of support for CBA creation in new mining regions, leaving communities without necessary resources. This project will fill this gap by providing training and assistance to local communities, governments, students, and academics in developing effective CBAs for new mining projects. The project includes in-person activities, manuals, and technical assistance, all tailored to critical minerals and mining.