DOE Awards $67 Million to Element USA and Colorado School of Mines for Rare Earth Processing Facility

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $67 million to ElementUSA and the Colorado School of Mines to support the development of a rare earth processing plant aimed at strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical minerals.

The project is expected to enhance the United States’ ability to process rare earth elements essential for advanced technologies, clean energy systems, electric vehicles, defense applications, and semiconductor manufacturing. The funding reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to reduce dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals and build a more resilient domestic industrial base.

Officials said the facility will focus on advancing processing technologies and increasing the availability of refined rare earth materials within the country. The initiative is also expected to support research, workforce development, and innovation in mineral extraction and processing.

Industry experts view the investment as a significant step toward securing critical mineral supplies as global demand for rare earth elements continues to rise. The project aligns with broader national strategies to strengthen energy security, support manufacturing growth, and accelerate the transition to clean energy technologies.

The collaboration between ElementUSA and the Colorado School of Mines is expected to contribute to the development of a competitive and sustainable rare earth ecosystem in the United States while creating new economic and employment opportunities.