The U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity, or NOFO, for up to $134 million to progress and bolster domestic supply chains for America\u2019s rare earth elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through this funding, DOE will support projects that demonstrate the commercial viability of recovering and refining REEs from unconventional feedstocks, including mine tailings, e-waste, and other waste materials. These efforts will reduce America\u2019s dependence on foreign sources, strengthen national security, and promote American energy independence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cFor too long, the United States has relied on foreign nations for the minerals and materials that power our economy,\u201d said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have these resources here at home, but years of complacency ceded America\u2019s mining and industrial base to other nations. Thanks to President Trump\u2019s leadership, we are reversing that trend, rebuilding America\u2019s ability to mine, process, and manufacture the materials essential to our energy and economic security.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The funding opportunity stems from DOE\u2019s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation\u2019s Rare Earth Demonstration Facility program, which is designed to demonstrate full-scale integrated rare earth extraction and separation facilities within the United States. This NOFO follows the Department\u2019s Notice of Intent released in August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
REEs, such as praseodymium, neodymium, terbium and dysprosium, are vital components in advanced manufacturing, defense systems, and high-performance magnets used in power generation and electric motors. By investing in domestic REE recovery and processing, DOE is working to secure America\u2019s energy independence, strengthen economic competitiveness, and ensure long-term resilience in the nation\u2019s supply chains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A webinar with additional information on the funding opportunity has been set for December 9 at 1 p.m. Eastern time here<\/strong><\/a>. Non-binding and non-mandatory letters of intent are requested by the following day at 5 p.m. Eastern time to help the department in its planning for the review process; all full applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. January 5. <\/p>\n\n\n\n