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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, Tribes, and other stakeholders to inform DOE’s 2026 Energy Critical Materials Assessment. Critical materials, such as neodymium, cobalt, electrical steel, lithium, and gallium, are vital for the U.S. economy, national security, and resilient energy supply chains.
To inform the implementation of its critical minerals and materials projects, DOE conducts an Energy Critical Materials Assessment. Materials are evaluated and screened based on their importance to the energy sector and supply risk. The 2023 Critical Materials Assessment considered 38 materials used in eight major technologies, of which 23 materials were ultimately evaluated for criticality.
"The 2026 Critical Materials Assessment will refine our understanding of the minerals and materials that are indispensable to the modern energy economy," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lou Hrkman. "Public feedback will help DOE identify focus areas where scientific innovation and technology breakthroughs are needed to ensure American energy security and reliability.”
Specifically, DOE is seeking feedback on energy technologies of interest, materials of interest, supply chain information, market dynamics, challenges to domestic industry, methodology, critical minerals and materials lists, and other issues related to critical materials.
On January 20, 2025, the President issued Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy, which in part sets a policy to establish the United States as a leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals, including rare earth minerals. The Executive Order also directs the Secretary of Energy to ensure critical mineral projects, including the processing of critical minerals, receive consideration for federal support, contingent on the availability of appropriated funds.
Responses to the RFI must be received by July 25, 2025. Responses are not required for all categories or questions.
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