1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to higher education; establishing a Sustainable Mining Institute at the 
1.3 	University of Minnesota, Duluth; appropriating money; proposing coding for 
1.4 	new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 137.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. [137.345] SUSTAINABLE MINING INSTITUTE.
1.7 		Subdivision 1.Establishment; mission. (a) A Sustainable Mining Institute is 
1.8 	established at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The mission of the institute is to 
1.9 	conduct and facilitate research into, and implementation of, sustainable mining practices, 
1.10 	with emphasis on sustainable mining practices that would benefit both the operation of 
1.11 	proposed and existing mines within the state, and the communities and economies within 
1.12 	close proximity of the mines.
1.13 	(b) The institute's primary classroom facilities must be located within 15 miles 
1.14 	of an existing, operational mine.
1.15 		Subd. 2.Advisory board. (a) The work of the Institute must be guided by a 
1.16 	nine-member advisory board appointed by the chancellor of the University of Minnesota, 
1.17 	Duluth, in consultation with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. 
1.18 	The advisory board must include members representing environmental advocacy 
1.19 	organizations, the mining industry, as well as academic researchers with interest and 
1.20 	experience in mining and environmental issues, and citizens representing communities 
1.21 	with a substantial mining-based economy.
1.22 	(b) Members of the advisory board shall be appointed for a two-year term, and are 
1.23 	eligible for reappointment. In making appointments to the advisory board representing 
2.1 	industry, preference may be given to individuals representing industry sectors or businesses 
2.2 	with a demonstrated history of supporting and investing in the institute's mission.
2.3 		Subd. 3.Duties of the institute. The institute shall:
2.4 	(1) provide grants to individuals and organizations conducting research on issues 
2.5 	consistent with the institute's mission, according to procedures for soliciting, reviewing, 
2.6 	and approving proposals in an open and competitive process that shall be established by 
2.7 	the advisory board;
2.8 	(2) facilitate and provide opportunities for workforce training, internships, and other 
2.9 	practical skills-based experiences that encourage sustainable mining practices; and
2.10 	(3) conduct other appropriate programs and outreach activities, consistent with the 
2.11 	institute's mission, as may be recommended by the advisory board.
2.12 	Where appropriate, the institute shall coordinate its work with the Iron Range Resources 
2.13 	and Rehabilitation Board, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and other similar 
2.14 	institutes and organizations within Minnesota and in other states.
2.15 		Subd. 4.Appropriations; receipt of other funds. In addition to funds appropriated 
2.16 	to the institute by law, the institute may accept funds from outside sources, including 
2.17 	federal grants and appropriations, and donations from private individuals or entities, to 
2.18 	facilitate the institute's work and further its mission.

2.19 	Sec. 2. SUSTAINABLE MINING INSTITUTE; APPROPRIATIONS.
 2.20 	$3,000,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund to the Board 
2.21 	of Regents of the University of Minnesota for purposes of establishment and initial 
2.22 	operations of the Sustainable Mining Institute created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, 
2.23 	section 137.345. The funds are available until spent.

2.24 	Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 2.25 	Sections 1 and 2 are effective July 1, 2014. Initial appointments to the advisory 
2.26 	board established in section 1 must be made no later than August 1, 2014.