On Aug. 21, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that $30 million in funding has been allocated for efforts to lower the costs of domestic onshore extraction of rare earths and other vital minerals from coal-based resources, according to a press release. This effort seeks to strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals while also reducing reliance on offshore supplies and creating jobs.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping rebuild America’s manufacturing sector by enhancing our ability to produce the critical minerals necessary to develop clean energy technologies,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, according to the press release. “Thanks to these transformative investments, we are reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains while delivering high-quality jobs throughout the communities that have helped power the nation for generations.”
According to the press release, the U.S. currently imports more than 80% of its rare earths demand. The announced funding seeks to tap domestic reserves to help build a domestic supply chain while boosting the U.S. economy, improving national security, and advancing clean energy. Funding will go towards research to advance extraction, separation, and refining technologies to bolster production of rare earths and critical minerals for use in the production of clean energy technologies and equipment including solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells.
This program contributes to Pres. Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments will benefit traditionally underserved communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.
Funding for the program is provided via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Applicants seeking funding are required to present the economic benefits and social implications of their proposed projects, emphasizing proactive and substantial interaction with local communities. Selected projects will need to formulate and execute plans that guarantee substantial advantages for both communities and workers, while also providing comprehensive reporting on these efforts and their results.
