Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) announced that Montana has secured a $3.5 million federal grant to assist workers recently laid off from the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in the state’s largest recent mining workforce reduction.
“This grant is a vital step in providing support to the 700 miners affected by the layoffs at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine,” said Gov. Gianforte. “While we still have more work ahead, Montana will continue to stand by these workers and their families as they navigate this challenging transition.”
In September, Sibanye-Stillwater announced plans to lay off approximately 700 employees. In response, DLI submitted an $11.5 million proposal to the federal Department of Labor to support workforce retraining, job placement, and other services for the displaced workers, their families, and local businesses impacted by the job losses.
Senator Daines expressed his support for the grant, calling the layoffs a “tragic blow” to Montana communities. “I applaud the leadership of Governor Gianforte and his team for securing this much-needed relief for impacted families,” Daines said. “I will continue working to find solutions that protect and grow mining jobs in Montana.”
While the $3.5 million grant provides crucial immediate relief, Congressman Zinke emphasized that more support is necessary to fully address the needs of the affected workers. “This is a good start, but much more help is needed,” Zinke said. “In addition to bridge funding, we must push for policies that prevent job losses like this from happening in the first place, including efforts to protect Montana’s mining industry from foreign market manipulation.”
DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson noted the importance of the grant in helping workers transition to new career opportunities. “This is a meaningful win for the workers and their families,” she said. “The funding will provide them with more resources to enhance their skills, pursue further education, or participate in apprenticeship programs to help them get back on their feet.”
The grant will support the displaced miners by offering a variety of services, including training and education programs to help them transition into new industries. The initiative aims to not only assist individuals in their career recovery but also bolster the economic stability of the surrounding communities.
This federal funding comes as part of ongoing efforts to help Montanans affected by job losses in critical industries and ensure that the workforce can successfully adapt to new opportunities.
