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Secure $7.5M for UAF research on Alaska minerals to improve understanding and participation in study.


U.S. Department of Energy Invests $45 Million in Advancing Domestic Critical Mineral Supply

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a $45 million investment in advancing the domestic supply of critical minerals, with $7.5 million allocated to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The grant aims to enhance research into Alaska’s potential for critical minerals, following China’s new export restrictions on these essential minerals. Critical minerals such as gallium, antimony, and germanium are crucial for various modern technology components.

Grant Bromhal, a science advisor for the DOE, highlighted that half of the U.S.’ critical mineral supply currently comes from other countries, while Alaska possesses all but one of the 50 different types of critical minerals. The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Institute of Northern Engineering will utilize the funds to explore Alaska mines and map out the Pacific Northwest for critical mineral deposits.

The research will focus on extracting critical minerals from mine tailings, with the potential to utilize trace amounts of these minerals for commercial purposes. Samples collected from various mines across Alaska, including the Usibelli Coal Mine and the Greens Creek Mine, have shown promising levels of critical minerals.

In addition to identifying these minerals, researchers are also addressing logistical challenges associated with extracting and bringing these minerals to the marketplace. Brent Sheets, who directs the project, emphasized the importance of collaborating with local communities and Tribes to recruit employees and invest in infrastructure to support critical mineral mining projects.

Overall, the grant is part of the federal government’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals and enhance resource independence for national security, economic stability, and technological advancement. This funding will enable the University of Alaska Fairbanks to play a crucial role in developing the domestic critical mineral supply chain.

Photo by Shelby Herbert/KUAC: UAF Petroleum Development Department director Brent Sheets holds up a sample of antimony in his office on Jan. 7, 2025.

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Photo credit fm.kuac.org

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