US Launches £100m Drive to Strengthen Domestic Rare Earth Supply Chains

The US Department of Energy has announced up to US$134 million (around £100 million) in new funding to boost domestic production and refining of rare earth elements (REEs), aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The initiative will support projects that extract and process REEs from unconventional sources such as mine tailings, e-waste and industrial waste streams. The United States imported 59% of its rare earth supply in 2024, despite these elements being critical for advanced manufacturing, defence technologies and high-performance magnets. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the investment marks a strategic shift to rebuild the nation’s minerals and industrial base after “years of complacency.” Applicants must submit letters of intent by 10 December 2025 and full proposals by 5 January 2026, with a required 50% cost share and participation from an academic partner. The funding follows recent minerals cooperation agreements with allies including Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia.