Missouri battery metals supplier gets $1.2 million job retention training grant

The Doe Run has been awarded a $1.2 million grant through 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 in the marketplace by retaining a skilled workforce and expanding career opportunities for their employees.

Doe Run employs over 1,200, predominantly in Southeast Missouri, supplying minerals and metals critical to the battery industry. Missouri’s lead battery industry ranks second in the nation for its statewide economic impact.

The grant will help cover expenses incurred in four key areas: technical skill training; training facilities and equipment; educational materials and supplies; and other training costs such as travel. Specific training will include metallurgical plant operation, training on mechanical equipment, instrumentation, electrical, HVAC, welding, mobile equipment maintenance and plumbing.

Doe Run is partnering with Mineral Area College (MAC) in Park Hills, Missouri, to supply training for over 500 Doe Run employees, providing facilities, in-person and online instruction, curriculum, and handling program administration.

“We are equipping our workforce for immediate and future roles in Missouri’s mining and metals industry,” said April Main, Doe Run’s human resource manager in a statement.

“Missouri has rich resources of base and critical minerals that support domestic goals for clean energy. Together with MAC, we are helping to maintain a high-performing workforce here in Southeast Missouri. We appreciate the opportunities this Missouri One Start Program provides our employees, to help them prepare for new technologies and instrumentation in the minerals field.”