Texas a & m engineering experiment station: new cooperative agreement program title: raptor - rapid analysis of precious and targeted ores with rotary drilling DE-FOA-0003592 (rocks) control no.…

The Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded a $4.899 million Cooperative Agreement to Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station on July 20, 2026, under the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy program (CFDA 81.135) for the RAPTOR (Rapid Analysis of Precious and Targeted Ores with Rotary Drilling) project. The award funds development of an integrated exploration drilling system with real-time mineral characterization capability, enabling rapid analysis and characterization of drilled ore bodies to accelerate critical minerals assessment, improve drilling and coring rates of penetration, and reduce exploration costs in support of ARPA-E ROCKS Program objectives. Performance occurs in College Station, Texas, with a period of performance through July 19, 2029.

Texas a & m engineering experiment station: new cooperative agreement program title: raptor - rapid analysis of precious and targeted ores with rotary drilling DE-FOA-0003592 (rocks) control no. 3592-1642 this research and development project consists of an integrated system for exploration drilling for critical minerals with real-time mineral characterization. The proposed system will allow for rapid analysis and characterization of drilled ORE bodies, allowing for improved and more detailed stratigraphy assessment and ORE body appraisal. This r & d effort directly supports arpa-ES rocks program objectives by significantly accelerating characterization timelines, improving rate of penetration for both drilling and coring, and reducing costs.