DOE seeks input on critical minerals conversion plan to benefit clean energy

The US government is seeking industry feedback on a project involving the construction of a pilot critical minerals refinery that will use fossil fuel waste to make materials for the clean energy industry, including wind turbines.

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday issued a Request for Information (RFI) and said the project would be supported by USD 140 million (EUR 123.4m) in federal money.

The RFI concerns the design, construction and operation of full-scale rare earth elements and critical minerals extraction and separation facility to turn coal waste and ash into products that could be used in the clean energy space. This waste contains valuable minerals and materials that can find their new life in technologies such as advanced aircraft, wind turbines, electric vehicles, semiconductors and hydrogen fuel cells.

The project aims to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of the initiative. With the RFI, the government seeks to solicit information about the facility’s design, supply chain considerations and research and development needs. This will also facilitate the selection of a suitable site.

Input will be accepted by March 31, 2022.

“Applying next-generation technology to convert legacy fossil fuel waste into a domestic source of critical minerals needed to strengthen our supply chains is a win-win -- delivering a healthier environment and driving us forward to our clean energy goals,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M Granholm.

Currently, the rare earth elements are mined in the US but are being processed overseas before being sold back to the US in more expensive products.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.881)

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