According to Reuters the United States Department of Energy has unveiled plans to allocate nearly € 920 million ($1 billion) to boost the domestic development of critical minerals and materials. These are essential components for electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, which currently dominates these markets.
Funding targets mining and manufacturing
The department’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) will provide up to € 460 million to expand U.S. processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling capacities. A further € 124 million will be directed toward strengthening the domestic supply chain for rare earth elements, including refining methods to recover minerals from mining waste.
Rare earth magnet production support
The funding package also allocates € 46 million to develop supply chain processes for rare earth magnets, including refining gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide, key materials for semiconductor production. These efforts are designed to accelerate innovation and ensure secure access to critical inputs for high-tech industries.
Mineral recovery from industrial processes
The Department’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management plans to award around € 230 million to facilities, including coal plants, with potential to produce mineral byproducts from industrial activities. Officials believe this approach could transform existing infrastructure into sources of valuable raw materials while supporting broader energy and manufacturing goals.
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