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US Bets $134M on Waste for Rare Earths
4 Jun
Summary
- US funds projects for rare earth extraction from waste.
- Funding totals $134 million for Louisiana and Oklahoma.
- The initiative aims to reduce reliance on China.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on June 2, 2026, a significant investment of $134 million aimed at boosting domestic rare earth element production. This funding will support projects situated in Louisiana and Oklahoma, focusing on innovative methods to extract these critical minerals from existing waste streams.
This initiative is a key component of Washington's strategy to strengthen the nation's supply of critical minerals. By promoting domestic extraction, the U.S. seeks to lessen its dependence on foreign sources, particularly China, which currently holds a dominant position in the global rare earths market.