$1.2 Million Training Grant Enhances Critical Mineral Production

Doe Run employees are gaining critical new skills through a multi-year $1.2 million grant awarded by the Missouri One Start Job Retention Training Program (JRTP). This initiative, approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, is designed to help businesses remain competitive by retaining a skilled workforce and expanding career opportunities for employees. For our employees, that means providing new skills and technologies necessary to support the minerals and metals industries, which have driven Missouri's economy for more than 160 years.

"Our workforce represents a wide spectrum of expertise, from those with technical and trade skills who have deep operational knowledge to those who support our operations through exploration, research, environmental services and the professional services necessary for a company of our size," said April Main, Doe Run human resources manager.

"Continually enhancing the skills of our employees as we take on new technologies is an ongoing process. Being awarded a grant this size helps us expand training, and demonstrates both the importance of sustaining our industry in Missouri and a level of confidence in our training programs and outcomes."

Much of the training will be provided by Mineral Area College (MAC) in Park Hills, Missouri. MAC will supply program administration and training for more than 500 Doe Run employees over 3 ½ years by providing facilities, curriculum, and in-person and online instruction. In 2023, 109 Doe Run employees participated in the program to build skills in several key areas, including metallurgical plant operation; training on mechanical equipment; training on instrumentation, electrical, HVAC, welding, and plumbing; and maintenance on mobile equipment, diesel engines, lifting equipment, conveyors, and heavy equipment.

Of those employees, 53 individuals have enrolled in the maintenance training program. Blake Jimmerson, Doe Run level I mechanical maintenance, joined the maintenance training program. "Understanding why a problem is occurring, rather than simply replacing a part, is rewarding," he said. "I am finishing up my first year in the program, and I am using these skills every day."

"This training program has become foundational to our maintenance department," explained Denny Keene, Doe Run general supervisor - maintenance. "Over the years, technological advances have caused many people to shy away from a career in maintenance. The training program allows our employees to gain knowledge and develop skillsets to perform at a higher level, not only for employees beginning this career path but also for those who have been in maintenance for many years. I am proud to be part of this program and know it will ensure our success as we prepare for the future of our industry."

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