Deadline: 13-Oct-2025
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing to launch a major funding opportunity aimed at bolstering the domestic supply chain of rare earth elements (REEs) under Section 40205 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
With up to $135 million in federal funding available, the initiative will support the design, construction, and operation of a Rare Earth Element Demonstration Facility focused on refining and recovering REEs from domestic waste streams.
This effort builds on the strategic directives set forth in previous Executive Orders to reduce dependency on foreign sources of critical minerals. It aligns with a broader national vision to strengthen energy security and assert American energy leadership. By investing in projects that demonstrate the potential of extracting and refining REEs from unconventional sources—such as acid mine drainage, e-waste, and other industrial byproducts—the program is set to pave the way for cleaner, more sustainable, and more resilient supply chains.
To ensure the technical and scientific robustness of the proposed facility, applicants must include an academic partner in their projects. This requirement fosters collaboration between industry and academia, promoting innovation and expertise sharing. Applicants are encouraged to establish partnerships early, as the awards will be provided through a cost-shared financial assistance agreement, requiring a 50% funding match.
Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based entities or have a U.S.-incorporated subsidiary or affiliate if the prime applicant is a foreign entity. The facility must operate within the United States, further reinforcing the program’s commitment to domestic production and economic growth.
This anticipated funding opportunity represents a significant step toward strengthening America’s control over critical mineral supply chains, creating high-tech jobs, and fostering cleaner energy technologies.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
