The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $150 million initiative to support the production and refinement of critical minerals, according to a press release. This move is aimed at strengthening national security and promoting clean energy technologies.
The funding comes as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reflects a concerted effort to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. By investing in the sustainable and economical production of critical minerals and materials within the United States, the Department of Energy hopes to bolster national security and accelerate the transition to clean energy. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's climate goals and is expected to create jobs in regions traditionally associated with mining and energy production.
The critical minerals in question are essential components in the manufacturing of clean energy innovations such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells. The U.S. Geological Survey's National Mineral Information Center has highlighted the urgent need for this initiative, as the United States currently relies exclusively on foreign sources for 12 out of over 50 identified critical minerals and more than half of an additional 30 minerals.
The funding opportunity announcement aims to develop a reliable and sustainable domestic supply chain of critical minerals. This includes sourcing materials from various U.S. sources, such as recycled materials, industrial and mine waste and ore deposits. The announcement highlights several key areas, including technology enhancements for domestic critical mineral supplies, value-added products from mineral waste streams, sustainable extraction methods, substitutes for rare critical minerals in clean energy and optimizing alternative energy technologies using abundant U.S. resources.
Overall, this $150 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and establishing a sustainable supply chain for critical minerals within the United States. It is a crucial move in advancing national security and promoting the growth of clean energy technologies.
