The primary goal is to scale up the demonstrated lab-scale critical materials innovation (CMI) hub technology from the current 10 G/batch scale to the 1 KG/batch scale that is considered as the…

The Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy awarded the University of Texas at Arlington a $960,000 cooperative agreement on July 1, 2026, under the Conservation Research and Development program (CFDA 81.086) to scale mischmetal magnet technology from laboratory scale (10 grams per batch) to prototype pre-pilot production scale (1 kilogram per batch).

The work includes scaling and prototyping Generation-0 mischmetal magnet technology, understanding the relationship between magnetic properties and ore composition to develop Generation-1 chemistry, performing techno-economic and lifecycle analysis, and demonstrating Generation-1 magnet production at 1-kilogram batch scale. The project aims to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level 3 (laboratory viability demonstrated) to TRL 6 (prototype successfully produced and tested). MP Materials Corporation serves as the industrial partner for prototype demonstration and testing.

Performance will take place in Arlington, Texas. The award runs through June 30, 2028.

The primary goal is to scale up the demonstrated lab-scale critical materials innovation (CMI) hub technology from the current 10 G/batch scale to the 1 KG/batch scale that is considered as the prototype magnet for pre-pilot production. Specifically, we would like to understand the scalability of this technology, both from a technological and economic perspective, and to perform manufacturability evaluations in an advanced manufacturing environment. As a secondary goal, we would like to improve manufacturability and further enhance magnet properties by modifying the current mischmetal magnet technology. The objectives are: 1) scale up and prototype the GEN-0 CMI mischmetal magnet technology for pre-pilot production; 2) understand the relationship between magnetic properties and compositions around MP's ORE composition, understand the techno-economic and life cycle implications, and develop GEN-1 mischmetal magnet chemistry; then, 3) demonstrate the GEN-1 mischmetal magnet production at a 1-KG/batch scale. Currently, this technology is at TRL 3, where laboratory studies have shown the mischmetal magnet technology is viable and ready for further development. By the conclusion of this project, the aim is to attain TRL 6, where the prototype magnet is successfully produced and tested at MP materials, the industrial partner of the present proposal.