Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation has announced $500 million in funding for seven projects to expand critical mineral and material processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling capacity in the United States. The program supports demonstration projects, construction of commercial-scale facilities, and retrofitting or retooling existing sites.
According to DOE leadership, these projects aim to reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical materials essential to the economy, energy production, and national security. The funding initiative aligns with President Trump's Executive Order on Unleashing American Energy, reinforcing domestic supply chains and advancing U.S. energy security.
This third round of funding under the DOE's Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing and Recycling programs emphasizes increasing U.S. capacity for processing, manufacturing, and recycling critical minerals and materials used in battery technologies.
DOE officials stressed the importance of securing supply chains vital to powering the nation and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to innovation and reducing dependence on foreign sources.