U.S. Department of Energy's Critical Minerals and Materials Program: Building a Secure Energy Supply Chain for the United States

Key Chapter Title List

1. What are Critical Minerals and Materials?
2. The Evolving Landscape of Critical Minerals and Materials
3. Vulnerabilities in Critical Minerals and Materials Supply Chains
4. Status of Foreign Dependence in 2023
5. Additional Vulnerabilities and Challenges
6. The Role of the Department of Energy at the Federal Level
7. Investment and Innovation to Secure Critical Minerals and Materials Supply Chains
8. Critical Minerals and Materials Program Framework and Priorities
9. Critical Materials Collaborative
10. Strategic Pillar Case Studies
11. Success Stories Across the Innovation Pipeline
12. Catalyzing Progress in Domestic Critical Minerals and Materials Supply Chains

Document Introduction

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) strategic plan for critical minerals and materials, aiming to build a secure and resilient supply chain for America's energy future. Based on the "2023 Critical Materials Assessment," the report defines the "Electric 18" critical materials vital for clean energy technologies, spanning a wide range from permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries to electrolyzers for green hydrogen. The security of these materials' supply chains is directly linked to the United States achieving a series of ambitious energy transition goals, including 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.

The report systematically reveals the severe challenges the United States faces in the field of critical minerals and materials. The core issues lie in severe foreign dependence and geographically concentrated supply chains. Data shows that in 2023, the U.S. had a 100% net import reliance for 12 out of 50 critical minerals and over 50% reliance for another 29. China dominates the production and processing of many critical materials; for example, 72% of U.S. imports of rare earth compounds and metals from 2019-2022 came from China. Furthermore, the lack of domestic midstream processing and refining capacity, coupled with geopolitical instability, resource nationalism, price volatility, difficulty in accessing capital, environmental standards, and shortages of skilled labor, collectively form a complex and fragile supply chain ecosystem.

To address these challenges, the U.S. Department of Energy has formulated a "Critical Minerals and Materials Strategy" centered on four pillars: Diversify and Expand Supply, Develop Substitutes, Improve Material and Manufacturing Efficiency, and Build a Circular Economy. This strategy is supported by a series of cross-cutting enabling activities, including Analysis and Advanced Tools, Market Assessment and Development, International Engagement and Standards, and Education and Workforce Development. The DOE coordinates department-wide research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities through its "Critical Minerals and Materials Program," with funding authorizations from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

The report illustrates the implementation of the strategy through specific case studies. For example, under "Diversify Supply," exploring the recovery of critical materials from unconventional feedstocks (such as coal waste, mine drainage); under "Develop Substitutes," researching cerium-based magnets to partially replace neodymium-iron-boron magnets; under "Improve Efficiency," using bioligands to simplify rare earth separation processes; and under "Circular Economy," establishing prizes to incentivize wind turbine magnet recycling. The DOE invests at multiple levels through an innovation pipeline from basic science to commercial deployment and has established the "Critical Materials Collaborative" to accelerate technology adoption.

This report provides policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers with an authoritative interpretation of the current state of U.S. critical minerals and materials supply chains, risk assessments, and government-led technological innovation and strategic deployment. Its content is based on official DOE assessments, project data, and legislative authorizations, aiming to reduce supply chain risks and ensure the national security and economic competitiveness foundation for America's clean energy transition through technological innovation and whole-of-government collaboration.