Magnets Are a Critical National Demand. Developing Rare Earths Is Key.

The U.S. Department of Energy launched the first phase of its Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator, opening applications for grants of up to $2 million each.

The program will fund prototypes that recover rare earths and other critical minerals from manufacturing scrap, e-waste, and tailings.

The effort is designed to cut U.S. dependence on foreign supplies and strengthen domestic materials for defense and clean-energy technologies.

The article also highlights a Texas-backed MP Materials magnet campus expansion that could add jobs and boost U.S. magnet manufacturing capacity.