US critical minerals funding receives a major boost with the Department of Energy announcing (14 November) USD 355 million to expand domestic production, processing and recycling capacity. The initiative targets pilot plants and midstream technologies for minerals such as graphite, rare earths and key battery materials, aiming to reduce reliance on China-controlled processing.
By supporting projects positioned for commercial deployment, the programme seeks to strengthen US supply chain resilience and accelerate investment across critical minerals sectors.
The DOE funding package will support pilot plants, demonstration projects and recycling initiatives that expand US refining, separation and midstream processing capacity. Priority materials include graphite, rare earths and battery minerals essential to EVs, storage and defence applications.
The move signals strong federal commitment to reshoring strategic mineral capabilities, reducing supply chain risks and encouraging new partnerships and investment across the domestic mining and processing sector.
Source: see the full announcement (DOE website)
