The US$1.2 million cooperative agreement between the schools signed by the agency's Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) is part of a broader plan to support Greenland as it builds its growing mineral sector. That ENR initiative was signed with the Greenland Ministry of Mineral Resources last year.

In the newest deal, which extends for three years, the University of Utah and the Department of State will work in tandem with KTI to develop an underground mine training facility and create a search and rescue programme.

The groups will also offer courses of various topics that will "train a generation of sector experts and specialists" that are needed in the employment market of Greenlands' extractives sector.

"The team includes experts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Mining and Petroleum Training Service and has significant experience in mining research and workforce development in the Arctic and other remote regions," the Department of State noted.

The work will also leverage the University of Utah's student mine rescue team as well as its relationships with state agencies, mines and professional associations in both Utah and Alaska.

"This agreement supports a strengthened understanding of U.S. and leading industry standards, as well as perspectives on how mining sector projects should be undertaken and managed for the benefit of all," the department said.