Funding opportunities will support mining, processing, recycling, and manufacturing technologies to reduce reliance on foreign sources.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced nearly $1 billion in a notice of funding opportunities (NOFO) to expand domestic mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies for critical minerals and materials. The initiatives target key points in supply chains essential to energy production, national security, and industrial competitiveness.
Proposed programs include $50 million for the Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) Accelerator to develop refining and separation technologies; $250 million to pilot recovery of valuable mineral byproducts at industrial facilities; $135 million to demonstrate domestic rare earth element processing; and $500 million to enhance battery material processing, manufacturing, and recycling.
“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security… the Energy Department will play a leading role in reshoring the processing of critical materials and expanding our domestic supply of these indispensable resources,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Additional initiatives involve $40 million through ARPA-E’s RECOVER program to develop technologies that extract critical minerals from industrial wastewater, reducing reliance on imports. Many projects will require a cost-share from recipients and partnerships with academic institutions.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Wright to seek God’s guidance as he oversees efforts to recycling and reclaim critical minerals and materials for national security and defense.
- For President Trump as he implements policies to prevent the dependence of U.S. supply chains on hostile foreign nations.
Sources: Department of Energy
