Notice of Intent to Issue Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Mines and Metals Capacity Expansion – Piloting By-Product Critical Minerals and Materials Recovery at Domestic Industrial Facilities

Background
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled 'Mines and Metals Capacity Expansion – Piloting By-Product Critical Minerals and Materials Recovery at Domestic Industrial Facilities.' This initiative aims to address the U.S.'s reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements. It seeks to facilitate the development of large pilot-scale facilities that recover these materials from domestic industrial processes. The goal is to enhance domestic production capabilities and secure the supply chain for critical materials essential for various energy technologies.

Grant Details
The planned NOFO will focus on investments in American industrial facilities capable of producing valuable mineral byproducts from existing processes. The anticipated funding will support pilot-scale recovery facilities in two main areas:

1) Coal-Based Industry with a total government funding of $75 million, allowing for a maximum of 3 awards ranging from $10 million to $50 million each;

2) All Industry with a total government funding of $175 million, allowing for a maximum of 7 awards also ranging from $10 million to $50 million each.

Facilities must demonstrate technical feasibility using actual feedstocks and aim for sustainable market-ready production of critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements. A plan for commercialization by 2028-2030 is required, along with a cost share of 20-50%. The facilities must operate sustainably for at least five years.

Eligibility Requirements
Any domestic industrial facility with potential byproduct streams that include critical mineral and material products may qualify for this funding opportunity.

Period of Performance
The NOFO is anticipated to be issued in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025.

Grant Value
Total government funding available is $250 million, with individual grant awards ranging from $10 million to $50 million.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed at domestic industrial facilities across the United States.