US DOE $355mn critical minerals production funding targets coal ash and industrial by-products

DOE

US DOE $355mn critical minerals production funding will accelerate minerals recovery from waste streams. US Department of Energy will support projects that extract minerals from industrial and coal by-products. The US DOE $355mn critical minerals production funding also supports testing and scale-up infrastructure. Therefore, the program targets faster domestic supply chain buildout.

The funding package splits into two major tracks. DOE will offer up to $275mn for pilot programs. These pilots target mine tailings, impoundments, and coal ash recovery projects. Meanwhile, DOE will provide up to $80mn for field sites to test mining technologies. As a result, the program links extraction innovation with real-world validation.

Pilot programs target coal ash, tailings, and impoundments for minerals recovery

Pilot programs will focus on existing waste streams with recoverable mineral content. Developers can process coal ash and legacy mine materials for critical minerals. However, projects must prove economics, permitting pathways, and consistent feed chemistry. Therefore, successful pilots will prioritize modular processing and robust sampling plans.

This approach can reduce environmental liabilities while creating feedstock. It can also shorten timelines compared with greenfield mines. Meanwhile, recycled and secondary sources can help buyers meet ESG and traceability goals. As a result, minerals recovery from coal by-products could become a strategic supply pillar.

Field sites aim to de-risk mining technology for commercial deployment

DOE will fund field sites to test mining technologies at operational scale. These sites can validate throughput, recovery rates, and operating costs. However, field data must translate into bankable designs for lenders and offtakers. Therefore, the $80mn track addresses the commercialization gap.

The new funding fits a broader onshoring push. DOE previously announced a $975mn initiative to strengthen domestic critical minerals supply chains. Meanwhile, manufacturers want reliable US-linked sources for batteries, magnets, and defense systems. As a result, US DOE $355mn critical minerals production funding supports upstream resilience and technology readiness.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Secondary recovery can deliver faster tonnes, but it needs disciplined project selection. Meanwhile, winners will pair metallurgy with predictable permitting and community engagement. Therefore, the US should treat these pilots as scalable templates, not one-off demos.

US Renews Doe Run Mining Leases to Secure Domestic Metals Supply

Doe Run Resources

The US renews Doe Run mining leases to extend Missouri lead-zinc-copper output for a decade. The US renews Doe Run mining leases across 36 tracts totaling 35,183 acres in the Mark Twain National Forest. This action strengthens the US critical minerals supply chain and regional industrial employment.

What the lease renewal covers

The Bureau of Land Management renewed all required leases for five Missouri mines. The US renews Doe Run mining leases to keep long-running operations active through the next ten years. Doe Run has operated for over 50 years and mined around 5mn t/yr of ore across that period.

Economic and policy implications

The lease decision is expected to generate significant federal revenue. Royalties and fees will flow back, with 25% returning to Missouri. As a result, the move aligns with the administration’s order to boost domestic critical minerals. It also reduces reliance on foreign lead, zinc, and copper.

Operational continuity supports downstream manufacturers. Meanwhile, stable Missouri supply underpins battery, automotive, construction, and defense demand. Therefore, the renewal improves logistics resilience as tariffs and geopolitics reshape metals trade.

BLM’s action also preserves optionality for future processing upgrades. However, Doe Run must still manage environmental compliance and community engagement. Consistent permitting and predictable royalties will influence capital plans over the next decade.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This renewal signals pragmatic resource policy: secure near-term tonnage while larger projects lag. Watch royalty pass-throughs, local hiring, and any investments in secondary processing that could raise US-made lead, zinc, and copper value-add.

USA Rare Earth Separation Project Gains DOE Support in Oklahoma

US Department of Energy

USA Rare Earth separation project plans in Stillwater, Oklahoma, have gained federal support as the company prepares to scale pilot rare earth processing technology. USA Rare Earth will receive up to $19.3mn from the US Department of Energy for a pilot-scale rare earth separation project.

USA Rare Earth separation project funding will come through the DOE’s Critical Materials Innovation, Efficiency and Alternatives programme. The total project value is $50.5mn, with $31.2mn expected from non-DOE sources.

USA Rare Earth separation project work will demonstrate a pilot-scale continuous ion exchange rare earth production operation. The facility aims to move the company’s bench-scale process toward a pre-commercial unit.

The project matters because rare earth separation remains one of the most difficult gaps in the US magnet supply chain. Mining rare earth material is not enough unless it can be separated, purified and converted into magnet-ready inputs.

Continuous Ion Exchange Targets Rare Earth Processing Bottleneck

The Stillwater facility will test continuous ion exchange technology as a potential alternative to incumbent solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is widely used in rare earth separation, but it can be complex, chemical-intensive and difficult to scale efficiently.

Continuous ion exchange could offer a different route if it proves technically reliable, cost-effective and suitable for commercial production. The DOE’s support signals that Washington is looking for processing technologies that can reduce dependence on existing separation models.

This is strategically important because separation is the midstream bottleneck in rare earth supply chains. Concentrates and mixed rare earth products must be separated into individual oxides before they can support magnets, defence systems, electronics and clean technology manufacturing.

The project timeline has not been disclosed. That leaves the pace of scale-up uncertain, but the funding gives USAR a stronger platform to move from laboratory development toward industrial demonstration.

For the US, the project aligns with a broader effort to create domestic rare earth processing capacity. Without separation, upstream resources cannot become secure industrial supply.

Magnet Ambition Depends on Separation Scale-Up

USAR is developing a fully integrated US rare earth and permanent magnet supply chain. The company plans to produce 10,000 t/yr of magnets by 2030.

That target depends on more than magnet assembly. USAR needs reliable rare earth feedstock, separation, metal-making, alloying and customer qualification before it can reach meaningful commercial output.

The Stillwater project could support that integration by strengthening the separation stage. If continuous ion exchange scales successfully, USAR may gain a more controlled route from rare earth feedstock to magnet materials.

Federal backing is also increasing. The US Department of Commerce issued USAR a letter of intent in January to provide $277mn of federal funding and a $1.3bn loan.

That level of support shows how rare earths have become part of US industrial policy. Washington is trying to build domestic capacity across the value chain, not only encourage private-sector exploration.

The key challenge remains execution. Pilot separation must prove stable, scalable and economical before it can support a 10,000 t/yr magnet target.

The Metalnomist Commentary

USAR’s DOE-backed project shows that rare earth security now depends on process technology as much as mining. If continuous ion exchange can scale, it could help close one of the most important gaps in the US permanent magnet supply chain.

US Targets 1 Million Tons of Lithium Production by 2035, Says DoE

Department of Energy (DOE)

The US Department of Energy (DoE) projects that the country could produce 1 million metric tons (t) of battery-grade lithium by 2035. This output would be sufficient to meet domestic demand while allowing for exports to trading partners.

Scaling Up Domestic Lithium Production

The DoE's Loan Programs Office Director, Jigar Shah, emphasized the need to expand lithium extraction, processing, and recycling to support the growing lithium-ion battery industry. He noted that diverse lithium resources across multiple US regions could be unlocked using advanced technology and infrastructure investments.

The US plans to increase lithium supply through three key sources:

• Spodumene deposits in Charlotte, North Carolina, expected to produce 100,000-150,000 t/yr of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
• Albemarle’s Kings Mountain mine is one of the most advanced spodumene projects, projected to yield 50,000 t/yr of LCE.

• Brine and clay resources in Nevada, California's Imperial Valley, and the Arkansas Smackover Formation, estimated to contribute 500,000-1 million t/yr of LCE.
• These resources have lower lithium concentrations than South American reserves, but direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology can help process them efficiently.
• Recycling of end-of-life EV batteries, which could reduce the need for new lithium extraction, supplying 50,000-100,000 t/yr of LCE by 2035.

Government Investment in Lithium Infrastructure

The Biden administration has significantly increased investments in US lithium production to accelerate the clean energy transition.

In September 2024, the DoE selected 25 projects across 14 states, committing over $3 billion to expand domestic lithium supply. Additionally, the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada, operated by Lithium Americas, received a $2.3 billion loan to build a 40,000 t/yr lithium carbonate facility.

In December 2024, the DoE also allocated $17 million to 14 critical mineral technology projects, reinforcing efforts to scale up lithium production.

Lithium’s Role in the US Energy Transition

According to the US Geological Survey, the US has 1.1 million tons of lithium reserves, compared to a global total of 28 million tons.

Shah highlighted that advancements in direct lithium extraction (DLE) could rapidly unlock large lithium resources, much like hydraulic fracturing transformed the oil and gas industry.

With global lithium demand rising, the US is positioning itself as a key player in the lithium supply chain, reducing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening the clean energy sector.

US Gallium Recovery Projects Target Domestic Supply Chain for Defense and Semiconductors

DOE(The US Department of Energy)

US gallium recovery projects will receive $5.4mn in funding from the Department of Energy as Washington tries to rebuild domestic supply for a metal critical to defense systems, semiconductors and advanced electronics. The funding will support five US-based projects under the Technology for Recovery and Advanced Critical-material Extraction – Gallium initiative.

The TRACE-Ga initiative is designed to prototype technologies that can recover gallium from US metal-processing feedstocks. This is important because the US is fully import-reliant for gallium and has not produced the metal domestically since 1987.

US gallium recovery projects are gaining urgency because gallium is essential for compound semiconductor materials, including gallium nitride. These materials support power electronics, radio-frequency devices, radar systems, satellite communications, fast chargers, LEDs and other high-performance technologies.

The funding is modest in scale, but strategically important. It signals that the US is no longer focusing only on mining new critical minerals. It is also trying to recover strategic metals from industrial by-products, waste streams and existing processing networks.

TRACE-Ga Funding Targets Recovery From Existing Feedstocks

The DOE award will support five companies working on gallium recovery technologies. Participants include PHNX Materials, Atlantic Alumina Company, Found Energy, Kunin Technologies and Indium Corporation.

The selection of companies shows how broad the recovery opportunity could become. Gallium is not usually mined as a primary product. It is commonly recovered as a by-product from other industrial processes, especially alumina and zinc-related supply chains.

This makes gallium recovery different from conventional mining. The key challenge is not only finding deposits, but identifying feedstocks where gallium exists in recoverable concentrations and developing technologies that can extract it economically.

Industrial waste refiner PHNX Materials could support recovery from complex waste streams. Atlantic Alumina Company brings relevance to alumina-linked feedstock. Found Energy adds an aluminum-related industrial angle, while Kunin Technologies focuses on mineral by-product recovery. Indium Corporation brings downstream metals refining and manufacturing expertise.

The TRACE-Ga initiative therefore targets the middle of the supply chain. It seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory recovery methods and scalable domestic production.

That gap matters because gallium supply is highly concentrated. China dominates primary gallium production and has used export controls to increase pressure on global buyers. For US defense and semiconductor supply chains, reliance on foreign gallium has become a clear strategic risk.

Domestic recovery could help reduce that exposure. Even if early projects produce limited volumes, they can prove process routes, identify feedstock partners and create the technical base for larger recovery systems.

The use of US metal-processing feedstocks also fits a wider circular materials strategy. Instead of waiting for new mines, the US can extract critical materials from industrial streams already moving through domestic facilities.

This could make recovery faster than new primary production. However, it still requires technical success, feedstock security, refining capability and customer qualification.

Gallium Nitride Demand Raises Strategic Pressure

Gallium’s strategic value has increased because of its role in gallium nitride and other compound semiconductor materials. Gallium nitride is widely used where high power, high frequency, efficiency and heat performance matter.

These applications are highly relevant to defense and advanced electronics. Radar, communications systems, satellite technologies, power conversion equipment and semiconductor devices all rely on materials where gallium can be difficult to substitute.

The DOE’s TRACE-Ga funding also sits alongside a larger notice of funding opportunity of up to $69mn. That programme targets technologies and processes that advance domestic production and refining of critical materials, including gallium and gallium nitride for semiconductor applications.

This shows that Washington is building a layered funding strategy. TRACE-Ga supports recovery prototypes, while broader DOE programmes aim to scale refining, alloying and advanced material production.

For the semiconductor industry, domestic gallium supply is not only a raw material issue. It is connected to wafer production, epitaxy, device manufacturing, packaging and defense procurement. A shortage or export disruption at the gallium stage can move through the entire compound semiconductor chain.

This is why gallium recovery matters even if volumes are small at first. Strategic materials often have low tonnage but high consequence. A reliable domestic supply stream can reduce procurement risk for critical systems.

The challenge will be commercialisation. Recovery from waste and by-products can be technically complex because gallium concentrations may be low and feedstock chemistry can vary. Companies must prove that their processes can recover gallium consistently, meet purity requirements and operate at competitive cost.

The US also needs downstream refining capacity. Recovering gallium-bearing material is not enough if the material cannot be refined into forms suitable for semiconductor and defense applications.

The DOE funding is therefore best understood as an early-stage industrial rebuilding tool. It does not immediately solve US gallium dependence, but it helps create the technologies and partnerships needed to rebuild supply.

The Metalnomist Commentary

US gallium recovery projects show that critical mineral security increasingly depends on recovering by-products from existing industrial systems. The strategic test will be whether TRACE-Ga can move beyond prototypes and create reliable domestic feedstock for gallium nitride, defense electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

US Allocates $3bn to Strengthen Domestic Battery Supply Chain

Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 25 projects across 14 states to receive over $3 billion aimed at boosting the domestic battery supply chain. This includes the production of batteries, critical components, and materials such as lithium, manganese, and graphite.

The DOE announced on Thursday that the funds will be used to "retrofit, expand, and build" manufacturing and recycling facilities throughout the United States. These projects will focus on various stages of battery production, including direct lithium extraction (DLE), production of cathode active materials (CAM), and the development of battery separators.

Key Investments in Lithium and Battery Recycling

More than $1 billion will be allocated to five major projects. Standard Lithium and Equinor's SWA Lithium joint venture, along with TerraVolta Resources, could each receive $225 million for DLE initiatives. Meanwhile, Cirba Solutions and Group14 Technologies have been earmarked $200 million each for lithium-ion battery recycling and silane production, respectively. Additionally, EnergySys Advanced Systems could receive $199 million to manufacture battery cells at its facility.

This funding will be distributed through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The final awards will be determined after negotiations between the DOE and applicants, along with environmental impact assessments for each project.

In October 2022, the DOE awarded $1.8 billion in the first round of funding for 14 battery materials processing and recycling projects under the MESC’s program.

US Critical Mineral Processing Funding Targets Domestic Battery Supply Chain

Critical Mineral

US critical mineral processing funding is moving into another major round as the Department of Energy prepares to allocate up to $500mn for processing, recycling, and derivative battery manufacturing projects. The funding opportunity is designed to support US-based projects that can strengthen domestic supply of critical minerals and battery materials.

The Department of Energy will target projects that process raw feedstocks, recycle critical materials, or manufacture battery materials and components. The agency specifically identified battery-related materials such as lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, and aluminum among its areas of focus.

US critical mineral processing funding is becoming a central tool in Washington’s effort to reduce dependence on offshore refining and battery material supply chains. The latest funding round also shows that the US is not only focused on mining, but on the midstream capacity needed to convert raw materials into usable industrial inputs.

DOE Funding Pushes Midstream Capacity Beyond Mining

Critical mineral processing remains one of the most difficult gaps in the US battery supply chain. Mining projects can expand raw material availability, but domestic industrial resilience depends on refining, chemical conversion, recycling, and component manufacturing.

The new funding opportunity will support projects that can process critical minerals from raw feedstocks and recycle valuable materials back into the supply chain. This approach reflects the growing importance of black mass, scrap, and secondary materials as strategic inputs for battery production.

DOE battery materials funding also gives policy support to companies working across lithium chemicals, graphite processing, nickel products, copper materials, aluminum inputs, and battery component manufacturing. These segments are essential for electric vehicles, grid storage, defense electrification, and industrial energy systems.

Battery Manufacturing Policy Enters Third Funding Round

The latest funding notice marks the third round in recent years under the DOE’s battery materials processing and battery manufacturing and recycling programs. In September 2024, the agency selected 25 projects to receive more than $3bn to expand domestic battery, component, and critical material supply.

The new $500mn opportunity extends that policy direction. It gives the US another mechanism to move from strategic mineral rhetoric toward physical processing capacity, especially in areas where China still dominates global refining and battery material production.

Applicants must submit non-binding letters of intent by 27 March, with full applications due by 24 April. The timeline signals that the DOE wants near-term project visibility and a faster pipeline of investable domestic capacity.

US critical mineral processing funding will be especially important for companies that can prove commercial readiness, feedstock security, and scalable production. The strongest projects will likely be those that connect raw material access with downstream battery customers and recycling loops.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The US is now treating processing capacity as the real bottleneck in critical minerals security. Funding can accelerate projects, but the strategic test will be whether supported companies can deliver cost-competitive, qualified material at industrial scale.

US Critical Minerals Processing Funding Accelerates Domestic Supply Chains

US critical minerals mining

The US critical minerals processing funding will reach up to $975mn, according to the DOE. The US critical minerals processing funding targets onshore capacity for rare earths and key byproducts. As a result, the plan supports semiconductors, defense, and clean energy supply chains. The US critical minerals processing funding also prioritizes recycling pathways to reduce import dependence.

DOE NOFOs target rare earths, semiconductors, and recycling

The DOE will issue NOFOs to expand processing capacity. The focus includes rare earth elements, gallium, and germanium. Meanwhile, the program backs recovery of mineral byproducts from industry waste. Therefore, the awards should enhance resilience across strategic materials. Companies must show scalable, cost-competitive processing routes. Applicants should also prioritize environmental performance and community benefits.

Demonstration plant funding underscores byproduct sourcing

A rare earth demonstration plant may receive up to $135mn. The facility must source feedstock from mining and industrial byproducts. Consequently, the model promotes circularity and faster deployment. However, project success requires stable feedstock contracts and permitting. Clear milestones will govern disbursements and risk management. Therefore, credible partners and bankable offtakes will be essential.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The DOE’s package pushes beyond extraction into midstream processing. Real impact hinges on execution speed, reliable feedstock, and downstream buying. Watch award timing, matching capital, and technology readiness over the next year.

U.S. Department of Energy Amplifies Commitment to Critical Mineral Technologies with $17 Million Investment

Infinite Elements

Strengthening National Energy Security through Advanced Material Innovations

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has announced a significant investment of $17 million in 14 cutting-edge critical mineral technology projects. This strategic initiative, spanning 11 states, is poised to bolster the nation's energy security and enhance domestic supply chains essential for clean and advanced technologies.

Targeted Improvements Across the Board

These projects, orchestrated by the DoE's Critical Materials Collaborative, aim to refine manufacturing processes for key technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, semiconductors for electric vehicles, and components for wind and solar energy solutions. The focus extends to magnets used in wind turbines and motors, alongside advancements in battery and electronic technologies.

Key domestic materials like lithium, nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements, platinum group metals, silicon carbide, copper, and graphite are under exploration to expedite their commercial readiness, as per the DoE's strategy.

Highlighting Innovative Projects and Collaborations

Among the 14 projects, four are dedicated to developing magnets that require fewer critical materials. These are taking place in notable institutions and companies including the University of Texas at Arlington, Iowa State University’s Ames National Laboratory, ABB Inc., and Niron Magnetics Inc.

Furthermore, the DoE has funded six projects focused on enhancing the processing and manufacturing operations of critical materials. Collaborators in these projects include Free Form Fibers, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of North Dakota, Ames National Laboratory, Tennessee's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Summit Nanotech Corporation.

Recovery and recycling efforts are also part of this initiative, with two projects aimed at reclaiming critical materials from scrap and recycled products. These are underway at Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University and the metal recovery company, Infinite Elements.

The initiative's final push includes projects designed to reduce critical material content in clean energy technologies, involving innovators like hydrogen specialist Celadyne Technologies and battery pioneer COnovate.

Amermin tungsten carbide reclamation grant boosts US recycled carbide output

Amermin

Amermin tungsten carbide reclamation grant will scale reclaimed hardmetal production in Texas. The Amermin tungsten carbide reclamation grant totals $11.5mn through a DOE award routed via Melt Technologies. As a result, Amermin plans to expand its Briggs facility around tungsten carbide processing.

The expansion targets up to a 300pc increase in tungsten carbide output. Amermin says it produces virgin-quality tungsten carbide powder from recycled feedstock. Meanwhile, the company also recycles copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium.

What the DOE award changes for tungsten carbide recycling

The DOE Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management supports faster capacity buildout at Briggs. The funding arrived through Amermin’s partner Melt Technologies and focuses on carbide reclamation. Therefore, the site can move from pilot-scale learning to higher-volume conversion.

Melt previously secured $11.5mn, including $5.7mn from DOE, for the pilot facility. That pilot design aimed to process more than 60,000lbs per month of tungsten carbide waste. However, the new scale-up phase should improve throughput, reliability, and powder consistency.

Why reclaimed tungsten matters for industry supply chains

Recycled tungsten carbide supports cutting tools, drilling, and precision machining with lower raw material exposure. Domestic reclamation shortens lead times for manufacturers and reduces logistics risk. Meanwhile, consistent powder quality matters for tool performance and downstream certification.

Amermin tungsten carbide reclamation grant also signals stronger policy backing for circular critical minerals. Capacity growth can pull more scrap into formal channels and stabilize input streams. Therefore, recyclers that secure feedstock contracts will capture the next wave of demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This funding favors pragmatic capacity expansion over greenfield mining timelines. However, the winner will be the operator that locks in scrap supply at predictable quality. If Amermin scales smoothly, recycled carbide can become a strategic buffer for US manufacturing.

Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project reshaped by US equity move

Lithium Americas

The Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project has entered a new phase as the US government links financing to direct equity. The Department of Energy (DOE) will take a 5pc stake in Lithium Americas and another 5pc in its joint venture with General Motors. This move reshapes risk sharing on the Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project and signals stronger US commitment to domestic lithium supply. As a result, the Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project now sits at the intersection of industrial policy, EV demand and capital markets.

US equity stake deepens support for Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project

The DOE has restructured its $2.26bn loan by adding equity warrants in Lithium Americas and its GM joint venture. This makes the US government not only a lender but also a partial owner of the Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project. LAC will draw an initial $435mn before the end of 2025, which will fund early construction and infrastructure. The joint venture structure remains intact, with Lithium Americas holding 62pc and operatorship and GM holding 38pc. This equity-linked design aligns incentives across government, miner and automaker, while anchoring long-term US battery material security.

The Thacker Pass development targets 160,000 t/yr of lithium carbonate across five phases. Each phase is planned at 40,000 t/yr, providing staged capacity that can track market demand. This phased approach reduces execution risk and gives lenders more confidence in the project ramp-up. It also lets the partners adjust capex timing if pricing or EV demand changes. For the DOE, the structure supports a scalable North American supply chain that can feed US gigafactories and reduce reliance on foreign lithium.

GM will also amend its offtake agreement to allow additional buyers into the portfolio. Under the existing terms, GM can take up to 100pc of Phase 1 and 38pc of total production for 20 years. The updated agreement will free some Phase 1 volumes for third-party offtake contracts. That shift reflects slower US EV adoption than previously expected and uncertainty after the expiry of key tax credits at the end of September. It also allows Lithium Americas to diversify its customer base and reduce single-buyer exposure.

Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project balances market risk and supply security

The Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project is now a test case for how policy-backed critical mineral projects manage demand cycles. On one hand, government equity and cheap debt lower financing costs and signal strong policy support. On the other, the partners must adapt to a softer EV sales trajectory and evolving battery chemistries. Allowing third-party offtake from early phases helps ensure plant utilisation and broader market participation. It also widens the strategic impact of Thacker Pass beyond a single OEM.

At the same time, the project remains central to US ambitions for a resilient battery supply chain. Domestic lithium carbonate output can reduce exposure to price spikes, export controls and shipping disruptions. The phased build-out allows careful monitoring of market conditions while keeping long-term capacity targets intact. If EV adoption reaccelerates later in the decade, Thacker Pass will already have a built foundation for further expansion.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The DOE’s equity stake turns Thacker Pass into a flagship example of industrial policy meeting market reality. The Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project gains financial strength and strategic backing, but must now prove it can thrive in a slower, more competitive EV landscape. For battery and automaker supply chains, the real story is optionality: diversified offtake and phased growth give this project room to adjust without losing strategic relevance.

EVgo $300mn charging buildout accelerates US fast-charging expansion

EVgo

Why the EVgo $300mn charging buildout matters for US infrastructure

EVgo secured a loan of up to $300mn to expand fast charging. The EVgo $300mn charging buildout will finance over 1,500 high-powered stalls. The company will add hubs for autonomous vehicles and fleet partners across the US. EVgo already operates 1,100+ fast charging stations in 40+ states.

Financing, policy backdrop, and deployment timeline

The financing includes a $225mn senior secured, non-recourse facility. An accordion feature could add another $75mn. EVgo expects top-tier banks led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking to support the facility. The EVgo $300mn charging buildout complements a $1.25bn DOE loan closed in 2024. EVgo drew its first $75mn from that DOE facility in January.

Momentum faces shifting federal policy. President Donald Trump suspended a $5bn charger program in February. However, a federal judge ordered the administration to rescind the pause in June. As a result, EVgo continues to deploy new stalls with retailer and fleet partners. The EVgo $300mn charging buildout targets dense corridors and data-rich AV hubs.

Execution focuses on speed and utilization. EVgo will prioritize high-throughput sites with grid capacity. Partnerships span grocery, restaurants, shopping centers, gas stations, and rideshare operators. The plan aims to reduce range anxiety and improve uptime for commercial fleets. High-power chargers should cut dwell times and raise station economics.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This financing keeps EVgo on offense despite policy volatility. Bank-led project finance and DOE backing diversify capital sources and lower risk. Watch interconnection timelines and utilization rates, which drive cash flow and future scale.

US to fund $355mn for critical minerals production from coal ash and industrial by-products

Department Of Energy (DOE)

US to fund $355mn for critical minerals production by targeting waste streams that already sit onshore. US Department of Energy will support projects that recover minerals from coal and industrial by-products. US to fund $355mn for critical minerals production to reduce import exposure and accelerate domestic processing. Therefore, the policy shifts attention from new mines to faster, lower-footprint feedstocks.

The funding prioritises pilot programs that extract critical materials from legacy waste. Eligible streams include mine tailings, impoundments, and coal ash. Meanwhile, these materials often concentrate metals that traditional operations left behind. As a result, recovery projects can shorten timelines compared with greenfield mining.

$275mn targets recovery pilots from existing waste streams

US to fund $355mn for critical minerals production with up to $275mn allocated to pilot programs. These pilots will test separation, leaching, and upgrading routes at practical scales. However, pilots must prove consistent feed quality and stable recovery rates. Therefore, developers will focus on sampling, process control, and cost discipline.

Coal ash and industrial residues also offer a logistics advantage. The materials already sit near rail, power, and industrial infrastructure. Meanwhile, permitting can be simpler when projects remediate existing sites. As a result, projects can position recovery as both supply creation and environmental cleanup.

$80mn backs field sites for commercial mining technology validation

DOE will also fund up to $80mn to develop field sites that test mining technologies. These sites can validate equipment and methods for commercial deployment. Meanwhile, field demonstrations help investors compare performance across geologies and waste types. Therefore, they can accelerate adoption for scalable recovery platforms.

These funding opportunities also connect to a larger onshoring effort. DOE previously announced a broader initiative to invest $975mn in domestic critical minerals supply chains. However, capital alone will not guarantee output. As a result, successful applicants will pair funding with clear offtake paths and realistic commissioning plans.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Waste-stream recovery is becoming the quickest route to new domestic critical mineral units. Meanwhile, the winners will be teams that standardise processes across many sites. Therefore, US to fund $355mn for critical minerals production could seed repeatable “mining-as-remediation” business models.

ABTC Lithium Refinery Grant Reinstated for Nevada Project

American Battery Technology Company

ABTC lithium refinery development has regained federal backing after the US Department of Energy reinstated a $115mn grant for the Tonopah Flat Lithium Project in Nevada. The decision restores the full funding package without changes to milestones, technical requirements or grant value.

ABTC lithium refinery plans target 30,000 t/yr of battery-grade lithium hydroxide production from locally mined claystone. The project would process around 11.9mn t/yr of ore at full scale, creating a domestic source of refined lithium for battery manufacturing.

ABTC lithium refinery funding had been terminated in October 2025 after the company completed the first two years of its five-year DOE agreement. The company appealed the decision, leading the department to reverse the termination and allow the project to continue.

The reinstatement strengthens the project's financing position and supports wider US efforts to build domestic lithium mining and refining capacity.

Tonopah Flat Targets 30,000 t/yr of Lithium Hydroxide

The Tonopah Flat Lithium Project is located northwest of Tonopah, Nevada, and is based on a large lithium claystone resource.

ABTC plans to develop the refinery in three stages. The first phase will produce 5,000 t/yr of lithium hydroxide, followed by two additional phases that will each add 12,500 t/yr.

This phased approach reduces the initial capital and execution burden compared with building the full 30,000 t/yr facility immediately. It also gives ABTC time to validate processing performance before expanding capacity.

The DOE originally selected the project for funding in October 2022 to support the first commercial-scale phase. Federal support is particularly important because lithium clay processing remains less established than conventional hard-rock or brine production routes.

If successful, Tonopah Flat could expand the range of economically viable lithium resources in the US and reduce reliance on imported refined battery materials.

Project Economics Depend on Scaling Claystone Processing

ABTC estimates operating costs at $6,994/t of lithium hydroxide, including both mining and refining expenses.

That compares with recent US delivered lithium hydroxide prices of around $19,000-21,000/t, suggesting potentially attractive margins if the company can achieve its projected cost structure and production rates.

However, commercial scale-up remains the key challenge. Claystone deposits can contain large lithium resources, but extraction and refining require technically complex processing and significant material handling.

Processing 11.9mn t/yr of claystone also creates substantial infrastructure requirements. Mining, crushing, leaching, purification and waste management systems must all operate reliably to support full-scale output.

The reinstated DOE grant reduces financing pressure for the first phase, but ABTC will still need to prove that its process can deliver consistent battery-grade lithium hydroxide at commercial scale.

For the US battery supply chain, the project is strategically important because domestic refining remains a major bottleneck. Producing lithium hydroxide inside Nevada would connect upstream resources more directly with North American cathode and battery manufacturing.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The grant reinstatement gives ABTC a second chance to prove lithium claystone at commercial scale. If Tonopah Flat reaches its cost and output targets, it could open a new domestic pathway for US lithium hydroxide supply.

US gallium production: DOE’s $6mn TRACE-Ga to secure critical supply

Energywerx

US gallium production gets a targeted boost under DOE’s new TRACE-Ga program. The initiative funds pilot plants that deliver 1 t/yr of 99.99% gallium. As a result, US gallium production could finally reduce import risk and price shocks.

What TRACE-Ga funds and requires

The program backs recovery from Bayer liquor and zinc residues at industrial scale. Awardees must pass a 14-day trial and produce 50 kg at 4N purity. Energywerx will manage the process and validate performance data. Meanwhile, submissions close on 20 November, with selections in late 2025. Therefore, early movers can lock in engineering momentum and offtake interest.

Why US gallium production matters now

China controls nearly all primary gallium output and restricted US exports. That constraint exposed defense, power electronics, LED, and solar supply chains. The USGS now tags gallium risk as high on its draft 2025 list. Consequently, US gallium production from residues can harden domestic MRO and chip back-ends. The goal is reliable GaN and GaAs inputs at competitive cost.

Developers should prioritize impurity control, reagent recycling, and modular plant design. In addition, multi-feed flexibility can expand sourcing from alumina and zinc circuits. If pilots scale, capital could flow into bankable commercial units by 2026. That path would anchor US gallium production near downstream device manufacturing.

The Metalnomist Commentary

TRACE-Ga is pragmatic policy aimed at mid-TRL bottlenecks, not labs. Watch purity, operating cost per kilogram, and secured offtake; those metrics will decide who scales.

Toyota Secures $4.5 Million DOE Funding for EV Battery Recycling Technology

Argonne National Laboratory

Toyota, a global leader in automotive innovation, has received $4.5 million from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to advance cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling technology. This initiative aims to address critical bottlenecks in battery recycling, including automating pack disassembly, improving battery identification and sorting with data-driven methods, and mitigating challenges posed by cell degradation.

The Toyota Research Institute of North America will spearhead this project by developing autonomous robotic systems to disassemble EV batteries, an essential step toward enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the battery supply chain.

Efforts to Build a Sustainable Battery Ecosystem

As the demand for EVs grows, so does the volume of spent batteries and manufacturing scrap. Toyota’s initiative represents an effort to make the recycling process more sustainable, efficient, and scalable.

This latest project builds on Toyota’s growing portfolio of collaborations and research in battery recycling:

• April 2024: Partnered with Argonne National Laboratory to explore direct recycling processes for cathode chemistries containing critical minerals like nickel, manganese, and cobalt.

• Late 2023: Partnered with Cirba Solutions to enhance the collection, storage, testing, and recycling of spent batteries.

• 2022: Collaborated with Redwood Materials to focus on recycling hybrid EV batteries through improved collection and testing methods.

By working with leading recycling companies and research organizations, Toyota aims to ensure that its batteries are part of a closed-loop supply chain, reducing reliance on virgin materials and enhancing the sustainability of its EV production process.

The Path Ahead for EV Sustainability

This DOE-funded project underscores the increasing importance of a sustainable battery supply chain as EV adoption rises globally. By tackling technical challenges such as cell degradation and automation, Toyota is paving the way for scalable recycling solutions critical to the EV industry’s future.

SK On Secures $9.6B Loan for US Battery Plants, Boosting EV Production Capacity

BlueOval SK

South Korean battery manufacturer SK On has successfully secured a loan of up to $9.6 billion for the construction of three new battery plants in the United States. The plants, located in Tennessee and Kentucky, will have a combined production capacity of 120 GWh per year, primarily dedicated to supplying batteries for Ford Motor's electric vehicles (EVs), including models under the Ford and Lincoln brands.

Major Investment in EV Battery Production

This loan, the largest ever awarded under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program, is a significant step towards bolstering the country’s position in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. The funds will be used to develop three state-of-the-art battery production facilities, which are set to contribute to Ford’s ambitious EV production goals.

The collaboration between SK On and Ford Motor has already led to the formation of BlueOval SK, a joint venture designed to build the largest EV battery production operation in the U.S. Despite the recent slowdown in the EV industry, which prompted Ford to delay the construction of its second Kentucky plant in October 2023, production at the first two plants is still scheduled to commence in 2025.

Strategic Importance of the DOE Loan

This loan represents a key investment in the future of the U.S. automotive and energy sectors. As the U.S. seeks to meet rising domestic demand for EVs and maintain its leadership in the global electric vehicle market, the DOE's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program plays a vital role in providing financial support for innovative technologies. By securing this funding, SK On ensures it is well-positioned to support Ford’s EV ambitions while contributing to the nation's electrification goals.

With the ongoing growth of Ford's electrified vehicle sales—reaching 257,693 units between January and November 2024, marking a 40% increase from the same period last year—this new production capacity is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting rising demand. SK On’s battery production capabilities have also seen growth, with the company’s installations increasing by 9.5% year-on-year, capturing 4.5% of the global market share, according to SNE Research.

Talon Buys North Dakota Site for Nickel-Copper Processing Facility

Talon Metals

Former Coal Site to Host Critical Minerals Hub Backed by DOE Grant

Talon buys North Dakota site for nickel-copper processing, marking a strategic move to expand U.S.-based critical minerals infrastructure. The company announced it will acquire a 256-acre former coal mine site from Westmoreland Mining to establish its Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF). The new facility will process nickel and copper ore from the Tamarack JV—a Minnesota-based project Talon is developing with Rio Tinto.

The BMPF will help close a key gap in domestic nickel and copper refining, particularly for battery and energy transition supply chains. Talon plans to complete permitting by late 2026 and begin construction in 2027, aligning with U.S. strategic objectives to localize battery metal processing. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) previously awarded $114.8 million in funding to support the project, reinforcing its national significance.

Deal Structure Offers Flexible Payments and Future Delivery Incentives

The acquisition structure includes the transfer of property title in exchange for 15 million Talon share purchase options and a variable payment scheme. Talon will pay Westmoreland $0.50 per metric tonne of ore delivered to the BMPF, with total payments capped at $10 million. This model allows Talon to focus capital on facility development while ensuring Westmoreland benefits from future throughput.

As Talon buys North Dakota site for nickel-copper processing, it positions itself as a vertically integrated supplier of critical minerals for electric vehicles, grid storage, and defense technologies. The BMPF will also help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign refining capacity, particularly from China and Russia.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Talon’s strategic acquisition reflects the shift from coal to critical minerals in U.S. industrial land use. By leveraging DOE support and Rio Tinto’s upstream assets, the company strengthens its role in building a secure, domestic battery metals supply chain.

ICL to Build Lithium Battery Plant in the US with Aleees Partnership

ICL

ICL Starts Construction of US-Based LFP Battery Facility

Israeli specialty minerals company ICL has begun construction of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant near St. Louis, Missouri. The facility will have a production capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes per year and is expected to start operations later this year.

This $400mn investment will be partially funded by a $197mn grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE). The grant falls under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at strengthening domestic clean energy supply chains.

However, the DOE funding remains frozen under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025. Despite the uncertainty, ICL has proceeded with the project to establish its US footprint in the battery materials space.

Strategic Partnerships Secure LFP Technology Supply Chain

To support the project, ICL has partnered with Taiwan-based Aleees, a major LFP technology licensor. Aleees will help ICL establish a secure LFP supply chain for US electric vehicle and energy storage customers.

The partnership gives ICL access to Aleees' intellectual property and production expertise. Aleees also licensed its LFP cathode material technology to US battery firm T1 Energy, formerly Freyr Battery.

Meanwhile, ICL is also expanding its footprint in Europe. In January, it formed a joint venture with China’s Shenzhen Dynanonic to produce LFP cathode active materials for the European market.

The Metalnomist Commentary

ICL’s investment reflects a strategic move to onshore battery material production in response to growing US demand and political pressure. As LFP becomes the chemistry of choice for mass-market EVs and grid storage, securing localized supply chains will be critical for competitiveness and compliance. The real test will be whether DOE funding resumes under the evolving policy landscape.

Lithium Americas to Start Thacker Pass Build in May 2025

Lithium Americas to Start Thacker

Lithium Americas confirms Thacker Pass construction start in May, targeting production by late 2027 to boost U.S. lithium supply.

Thacker Pass Lithium Project Set for Major Construction Phase

Lithium Americas (LAC) will begin major construction at its Thacker Pass project in Nevada starting May 2025. The company aims to reach initial production by late 2027, reinforcing its role in North America's lithium supply chain. Engineering progress has already reached 55% and is expected to exceed 90% design completion by year-end.

LAC’s CEO Jonathan Evans emphasized the readiness to move forward after securing funding and partnerships. “Once we declare final investment decision, our team will focus on execution,” Evans said. This milestone follows the finalization of a $2.26 billion Department of Energy (DOE) loan in October 2024.

Funding and Strategy Behind the U.S. Lithium Push

In March 2025, LAC received a $250 million investment from Orion Resource Partners to support Phase 1 development. The DOE loan—secured under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program—will help build processing infrastructure. Meanwhile, LAC reported a $42.6 million net loss in 2024, up from $5.1 million in 2023, mainly from DOE and GM deal costs.

The Thacker Pass project is one of the most advanced lithium developments in the United States. Its strategic importance has grown amid increasing global demand for EV battery-grade lithium. The project also marks a significant step toward U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on imported lithium, especially from China.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Thacker Pass isn't just a mining project—it’s a cornerstone of U.S. energy security policy. As governments and automakers race toward EV adoption, domestic lithium supply is becoming as critical as oil once was. The Metalnomist will be watching closely as Lithium Americas enters this pivotal execution phase.