The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $355 million funding push to expand domestic production of critical minerals, vital for energy, manufacturing, transportation, and national defense. 

The funding, released through two new notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) from DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE), signals a major effort to secure US supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources. 

"These pilots will prove that America can turn existing infrastructure and byproducts into a reliable source of critical minerals,” DOE said. “It’s a game-changer for domestic supply chains and waste reduction.” 

The second NOFO, Mine of the Future – Proving Ground Initiative, provides up to $80 million to establish real-world testing sites for next-generation mining technologies. 

This marks DOE’s first major investment in mining R&D in nearly four decades. Selected projects will create field sites where emerging mining innovations can be tested at scale, accelerating commercialization while training the next generation of American miners and engineers. 

“Field testing is essential to bring innovative mining technologies out of the lab and into operational reality,” said Kyle Haustveit, DOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy. “These proving grounds will strengthen US mineral supply chains, drive economic growth in fossil energy communities, and position the US as a global leader in non-fuel mineral production.” 

The funding aligns with DOE’s broader $1 billion plan announced in August to advance mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies, fulfilling directives from President Trump’s executive orders aimed at boosting American mineral production. 

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasised the strategic importance: "For too long, the United States has relied on foreign nations for the minerals and materials that power our economy,” Wright said. 

With these investments, DOE aims to reduce dependency on imported minerals, foster innovation, and secure critical materials needed to power the nation’s energy transition, industrial growth, and defense capabilities—making the US a stronger, self-reliant mineral powerhouse.