Wire · technology
Dept. of Energy selects Iowa lab to lead critical mineral supply chain research
◆ Sectors
◆ Geography
◆ Source
◆ Verified
Fusion42 · 1 October 2026 · Fusion42 review
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $29.5 million to the Ames National Laboratory in Iowa to lead research under the Mine of the Future Initiative, aiming to reduce U.S. dependency on China for critical minerals through innovative mineral extraction and processing technologies.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Climate Tech, and 2 sources have reported it between 30 Sep 2026 and 1 Oct 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You must prepare for a surge in domestic demand for innovative mineral extraction and processing technologies as federal funding directs action now. This shift opens procurement and collaboration opportunities for startups focusing on energy-efficient and AI-driven mining solutions.
◆ Coverage
2 sources · first reported 30 Sep 2026 · latest 1 Oct 2026
◆ Related on Wire
◆ Topics