U.S. Department of Energy | Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation

U.S. Department of Energy Launches Mine of the Future Initiatives to Bolster the U.S. Mining Industry

DOE Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation sent this bulletin at 09/26/2025 04:40 PM EDT

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U.S. Department of Energy | Critical Materials Collaborative

Sept. 26, 2025

U.S. Department of Energy Launches Mine of the Future Initiatives to Bolster the U.S. Mining Industry

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) today announced two new programs under its Mine of the Future initiative, which aims to transform U.S. mining practices and speed the development of a secure and resilient domestic critical mineral and material supply chain by employing cutting-edge mining technologies and processes.

First, FE has announced its intent to provide up to $80 million in federal funding for mining technology proving grounds that will support and accelerate innovative technology development and commercialization.

FE also announced up to $15 million in federal funding for DOE’s National Laboratories to conduct critical research, development, and demonstration activities that will advance DOE strategies to strengthen our domestic critical mineral supply chain. Through both programs, the Mine of the Future initiative will help deliver on President Trump’s commitment to expand the nation’s critical materials portfolio, reduce our reliance on foreign sources, and re-establish the United States as a global leader in the mining sector.

Notice of Intent: Mining Technology Proving Grounds

FE announced its intent to issue an $80 million funding opportunity to establish Mining Technology Proving Grounds and accelerate the development of innovative technologies for the U.S. mining sector. If issued, the funding opportunity will help establish field sites for real-world testing, optimization, and deployment of next-generation mining technologies. These sites will also serve as vital training grounds for a new generation of skilled American miners.

The Proving Ground initiative will help to de-risk the adoption of new mining technologies for commercialization and widespread industry adoption.

To prepare for the release of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), prospective applicants are encouraged to read the full Notice of Intent. DOE expects to issue the NOFO during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2025.

National Laboratory Call for Proposals: Mine of the Future Research, Development, and Demonstration

Under its Mine of the Future Research, Development, and Demonstration initiative, FE announced up to $15 million in federal funding available to DOE’s National Laboratories for technologies capable of revolutionizing the mining industry. Selected laboratory performers will advance DOE’s critical minerals and materials supply chain strategies through activities that will bridge the gap between bench-scale research and commercial scale demonstration.

The lab call solicits proposals for the following topic areas:

Mining Innovation
Beneficiation
In-situ

All questions and application materials must be submitted to LabCall-FECM-HQ@hq.doe.gov. Letters of intent are due by Oct. 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET and full applications are due by Jan. 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

FE’s Division of Minerals Sustainability focuses on the production and processing of critical minerals, developing an economically sustainable and secure domestic supply chain, and conducting technology innovations on new advanced mining technologies.

Read the Full Announcement

The Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC) is a new mode of connection created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to improve and increase communication and coordination among DOE, government agencies, and stakeholders working on critical materials projects.

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