Blockchain Registration Transaction Record

DOE Invests $75M to Extract Rare Earths from Coal Waste

U.S. DOE commits $75M to five projects recovering rare earth elements from coal byproducts, boosting domestic critical mineral supply chains under the Domestic Industrial Facilities program.

This investment matters because it aims to create a domestic supply chain for rare earth elements and critical minerals, which are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, defense systems, and electronics. By converting coal waste into valuable resources, the U.S. reduces its dependence on foreign suppliers, strengthens national security, and supports a cleaner energy transition. The pilot facilities could also revitalize coal communities by turning a waste problem into an economic opportunity.