DOE Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation

Built World

Awarded $45.7M to 19 critical minerals projects (May 2026); $134M rare earth demonstration facility award still pending

The United States imports roughly 80% of its rare earth elements and relies on China for over 90% of processing—materials essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and precision weapons. China's April 2025 export controls on seven heavy rare earths remain in force, with a broader set of restrictions due to expire in November 2026.

Updated May 31