[Breaking News: US to Invest $975 Million in Critical Mineral Processing] The US Department of Energy (DOE) is set to issue a significant investment notice aimed at supporting onshore critical mineral supply chains, with an expected total investment of up to $975 million. This move responds to an earlier executive order by President Trump, which directed the DOE to explore avenues for providing federal funding for critical mineral processing.
The core objective of this funding notice is to bolster domestic supplies and processing capabilities for rare earth elements, mineral byproducts, and materials essential for semiconductor production such as gallium and germanium. It will also focus on the recycling sector for critical minerals.
Notably, the planned construction of a demonstration plant for rare earth elements, estimated to cost up to $135 million, will source its raw materials from byproducts of mining and industrial operations. This initiative not only aims to enhance the utilization rate of domestic mineral resources but also to further solidify the US's position in the critical mineral supply chain.