The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an investment of $17.5 million in four projects aimed at developing a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and materials. These projects, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will focus on reducing costs and environmental impacts of producing rare earths and other essential minerals from coal and its by-products.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Imagine that: turning the byproducts from coal into a domestic source for the critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies. That’s exactly what the President’s Investing in America agenda is helping make a reality.”

The projects aim to address the nation's reliance on foreign supply chains for over 80% of its rare earth elements. By utilizing domestic coal, coal wastes, and coal by-products, the DOE seeks to establish a sustainable supply chain crucial for the U.S. economy, clean energy, and national security.

Among the selected projects is the University of Kentucky Research Foundation, which plans to conduct pilot-scale testing to obtain solutions rich in rare earth elements and critical minerals. Similarly, West Virginia University Research Corporation and Pennsylvania State University will focus on separating high-purity rare earth elements and critical mineral oxides from coal-related materials. Microbeam Technologies Incorporated will demonstrate the extraction of gallium and germanium from lignite-derived concentrates.

These projects not only aim to produce essential minerals for clean energy technologies and national defense but also prioritize environmental remediation and community benefits. By engaging with local communities and emphasizing job creation and diversity, these initiatives align with the Justice40 Initiative.

In addition to the current investment, the DOE's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management has committed approximately $133 million since January 2021 for projects supporting critical minerals exploration and processing in traditional mining communities. This includes funding for rare earth production facilities utilizing coal-based materials.

The DOE's efforts in advancing critical minerals production are part of a broader strategy to minimize environmental impacts and achieve net-zero emissions across the U.S. economy. Priority areas of focus include carbon capture, hydrogen production, methane emissions reduction, and critical minerals production.

For more information on these initiatives and projects, interested individuals can visit the FECM website and NETL website.