The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans on Wednesday to issue notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) totaling almost $1 billion to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals and materials.
The funding will support projects spanning mining, processing, and manufacturing across key stages of the critical minerals and materials supply chains, aiming to scale technologies and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
"For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
- NOFOs cover a comprehensive approach to development
The NOFOs represent a coordinated and comprehensive strategy across several DOE offices.
The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office announced NOFOs up to $50 million for refining and alloying materials such as gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide.
The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management will provide approximately $250 million to help US industrial facilities recover valuable mineral byproducts.
The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) will allocate $135 million to expand the recovery of rare earth elements, including from mining waste.
MESC will also administer up to $500 million to increase US capacity in critical mineral processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling.
By Busra Ozaltan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr