How UTEP's $7 Million Mining Gift Meets National Demand for Engineers

Presentation at UTEP mining engineering program with smiling presenters.

UTEP Secures $7 Million for Mining Engineering Program

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has recently received a substantial $7 million donation from Freeport-McMoRan, aimed at revitalizing its mining engineering program. This announcement was made on May 6, 2025, during a presentation at Freeport's local offices, with Mike Kendrick, president of Climax Molybdenum Company, participating in the event.

The mining engineering program, which has a rich history at UTEP, was initially phased out in the late 1960s but is set to make a comeback by fall 2027, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. UTEP aims to address a national shortage of mining engineers, as current U.S. universities produced only 312 graduates in this field last year, while forecasts indicate the need for approximately 500 new engineers annually to replace retirees and others leaving the profession.

The program is particularly significant for Texas, where the mining industry contributes over $10 billion to the economy. UTEP officials hope to graduate about 100 mining engineers annually by the time the program is fully operational, significantly contributing to local workforce needs in sectors such as energy, electronics, and national security.

Impact of Border Security on Community Gatherings

In a contrasting development, the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR) has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated "Hugs Not Walls" event, originally scheduled for May 10. This event, aimed at reuniting families separated by the border, has been held annually since 2016. However, the Department of the Army's establishment of a military zone spanning from El Paso to Fort Hancock has led to safety concerns, making it illegal for participants to enter. Fernando Garcia, BNHR's director, expressed disappointment, noting that the organization worked diligently for months to secure permits and coordinate with authorities for the event.

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How UTEP's $7 Million Mining Gift Meets National Demand for Engineers

UTEP Secures $7 Million for Mining Engineering Program

Impact of Border Security on Community Gatherings

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