The US Department of Defense is partnering with industry and academia on an initiative to advance the state-of-the-art in mineral extraction technologies and processes in domestic mining sites known to contain five critical minerals. The project would serve as proof-of-concept for scalable, cost-effective critical mineral recovery processes that integrate advanced extraction technologies and hydro-metallurgical processes.

Specific objectives include:

• Demonstrate appropriate extraction and hydro-metallurgical technologies and processes
• Run controlled extraction and processing trials, monitoring performance metrics like recovery rates and purity
• Refine material concentrate to a predetermined purity level
• Collect and analyze samples at various stages to determine parameters for maximum critical mineral recovery

If you feel your organization has the technical capabilities and would like to be considered for this project, please complete the form below and upload your organization’s technical capabilities statement.

Interested Submissions Due by 8/20/25.

We encourage participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), including Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).