U.S. Department of Energy Awards $10M for Critical Materials Research

On August 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the allocation of $10 million to seven projects focused on the research and development of critical materials. This funding supports efforts to improve the recovery and refining of rare earth elements, gallium, and copper, which are essential components in many energy technologies. These projects are led by the Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI Hub) and are designed to overcome technical barriers in domestic production. Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson noted the significance of this work, stating that these projects are key to "unlocking new production methods to strengthen domestic supply chains and ensure that American manufacturers have the necessary materials to remain competitive in the global market."

The selected initiatives employ a variety of technical approaches to material recovery. For example, Case Western Reserve University is investigating how chloride-based molten salt electrolysis might improve the production of heavy rare earth metals. At the Colorado School of Mines, researchers are focusing on primary copper sulfides, using hydro and bio-hydro metallurgical processes to extract copper more effectively. Meanwhile, the University of Arizona is developing a method that combines nanobubbles, surfactants, and reactive oxygen species to enhance the leaching of copper sulfide. Each project is tailored to address specific challenges currently faced in the production of these materials.

Several other organizations are contributing to this research with specialized recovery methods. FAST Metals is working to create new domestic mineral sources by extracting gallium and rare earth mixed oxides from industrial byproduct streams. Indium Corporation is developing a specialized ion-exchange resin to capture gallium during bauxite-alumina processing. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the team is focused on redox-adsorbents that can selectively recover gallium from mining byproducts and end-of-life waste. Finally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is applying solid-phase extraction techniques to separate and recover gallium from zinc refinery residues.

The Critical Materials Innovation Hub, which is led by Ames Laboratory, has been a central part of these advancements since it was established in 2013. Formerly known as the Critical Materials Institute, the hub works to reduce or eliminate the nation's dependence on materials that are highly susceptible to supply disruptions and volatile pricing. This initiative is part of a broader move toward more resilient supply chains and the adoption of sustainable practices within the materials industry.

The successful development of these projects could lead to meaningful changes in the efficiency of refining and recovering critical materials. As the DOE moves into negotiations with the selected participants, the potential for advancements in production technology remains significant. The results of this research are expected to influence both the U.S. economy and the international market for these essential resources. By investing in these solutions, the DOE is working toward a more self-sufficient and sustainable future for energy technology.