The U.S. Department of Energy(DOE) has announced funding of up to US$134 million for projects that boost the development of domestic supply chains for rare earth elements. This initiative seeks to reduce dependence on foreign sources and strengthen the country’s energy security.
The supply of rare earths and unconventional raw materials
The funding, led by the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation(CMEI), is targeted at proposals that demonstrate the commercial viability of recovering and refining rare earths from materials such as mine tailings, electronic waste and other industrial wastes. In addition, these projects are expected to foster new industrial capabilities within the country and contribute to greater technological autonomy.
We have the resources, but we let other nations take the lead.
We are rebuilding our base to protect our economic and energy security.
Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy.
Elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium and terbium are essential in sectors such as defense, power generation, electric motors and the manufacture of high-performance magnets. Moreover, ensuring their processing within the United States is essential to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure the continuity of critical industries.
The Department of Energy will host an informational webinar on December 9. Letters of intent will be due by December 10, while full applications will be due by January 5, 2026.
This process is part of DOE’s Rare Earth Demonstration Facility program, which seeks to build large-scale extraction and separation infrastructure on U.S. soil.
Source and photo: DOE