(a) The Committee shall determine the eligibility of a college or university to participate as a mining and mineral resources research institute under this subchapter using criteria which include—
(1) the presence of a substantial program of graduate instruction and research in mining or mineral extraction or closely related fields which has a demonstrated history of achievement;
(2) evidence of institutional commitment for the purposes of this subchapter;
(3) evidence that such institution has or can obtain significant industrial cooperation in activities within the scope of this subchapter; and
(4) the presence of an engineering program in mining or minerals extraction that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or evidence of equivalent institutional capability as determined by the Committee.
(b)
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), those colleges or universities which, on October 12, 1988, have a mining or mineral resources research institute program which has been found to be eligible pursuant to this subchapter shall continue to be eligible subject to review at least once during the period authorized by the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Amendments of 1988, under the provisions of subsection (a). The results of such review shall be submitted by January 15, 1992, pursuant to section 11(a)(2) of the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Amendments of 1988.
(2) Generic mineral technology centers established by the Secretary under this subchapter are to be composed of institutes eligible pursuant to subsection (a). Existing generic mineral technology centers shall continue to be eligible under this subchapter subject to at least one review prior to January 15, 1992, pursuant to section 11(a)(3) of the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Amendments of 1988.
References in Text
The Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Amendments of 1988, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 100–483, Oct. 12, 1988, 102 Stat. 2339. Section 11(a)(2) and (3) of the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Amendments of 1988 is set out as a note under section 1229 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note set out under section 1201 of this title and Tables.
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984, and not as part of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–483 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, those colleges or universities which, on August 29, 1984, have a mining or mineral resources research institute program which has been found to be eligible pursuant to title III of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (91 Stat. 445) shall continue to be eligible pursuant to this subchapter for a period of four fiscal years beginning October 1, 1984."