NOFO 3390 Part 1.pdf

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity

Part 1

Department of Energy (DOE) Fossil Energy Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003390

Application due: December 15, 2025

Contents

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Navigating the Notice of Funding Opportunity

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Key Facts

1. Funding Details

2. Period of Performance

B. Executive Summary C. Agency Contact Information

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

1. Domestic Entities

2. Foreign Entity Participation

B. Limitation on Number of Applications Eligible for Review C. Cost Sharing

3. Cost Share Requirements

4. Unallowable Cost Share Sources, NOFO Specific

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Background and Context B. Program Purpose C. Program Goals and Objectives

1. Strategic Aims

2. Core Objectives of Proving Grounds

3. Specific Proving Ground Competencies

4. Collaborative Approach and Investment

5. Mine Technology Projects (TRL 2-6)

6. Research Focus: Innovative Critical Mineral Recovery

7. Specific R&D Technology Areas of Interest

8. Key Objectives

9. Technical Requirements

10. Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

D. Expected Performance Goals E. Teaming Partner List F. Topic Area G. Applications Specifically Not of Interest H. Statement of Substantial Involvement I. Statutory Authority

IV. APPLICATION CONTENT AND FORM

A. Information Sharing B. Summary C. Application Content Requirements

1. Covered Individual Definition, Designation, and Responsibility

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2. Summary of Application Requirements

3. Technical Volume

4. Biographical Sketch

5. Current and Pending Support

6. Statement of Project Objectives

7. Project Management Plan

8. Photographs/Schematics of Existing Proving Ground

9. Technology Maturation Plan

10. Project Summary Data Sheet

11. Summary of Post Selection Requirements (not due with the application)

D. Funding Restrictions

1. Buy America Preference for Infrastructure Projects

V. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

A. Required Registrations

1. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

2. eXCHANGE

3. Grants.gov Registration

B. Application Package

1. eXCHANGE

C. Submission Date and Times D. Intergovernmental Review

VI. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Standards for Application Evaluation B. Responsiveness Review C. Review Criteria

1. Compliance Criteria

2. Technical Review Criteria

D. Other Selection Factors

VII. SELECTION AND AWARD NOTICES

VIII. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

1. Real Property and Equipment

2. Cybersecurity Plan

3. Rights in Technical Data

4. Cost Share Payment

5. Energy Data eXchange (EDX) Requirements

6. Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC)

B. Questions and Support

1. Questions

2. Support

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

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Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 1 Before You Begin

Before You Begin

Navigating the Notice of Funding Opportunity To reduce the burden on applicants in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process and limit the length of the NOFO information requests DOE has separated the NOFO into two parts.

The NOFO Part 1 describes the specific DOE programmatic goals and evaluation criteria, eligibility, and other components that are specific to each funding opportunity. The NOFO Part 2 includes the fixed DOE requirements that generally do not change from NOFO to NOFO, including standard information for the application phase, expectations for award negotiations, and post-award requirements. Applicants must review both the NOFO Part 1 and the NOFO Part 2 prior to applying. To facilitate navigation, you will find links throughout this document to additional information found in Part 2.

There are several required one-time actions applicants must take before applying to this NOFO. Some of these actions may take several weeks, so it is vital applicants build in enough time to complete them.

Failure to complete these actions could interfere with application or negotiation deadlines or the ability to receive an award if selected. If you have previously completed the necessary registrations, make sure your registration is active and up to date. All registrations are free. Please refer to NOFO Part 2, Get Registered, for additional information.

This announcement is published in conjunction with NOFO Part 2 Version 2.0.

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Section I: Basic Information

I. Basic Information

A. Key Facts Issuing Agency

Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) Program

Funding Opportunity Title

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) - Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative

Announcement Type Initial announcement

Funding Opportunity Number

DE-FOA-0003390

Funding Instrument Cooperative Agreements

Assistance Listing Number

81.089 Fossil Energy Research and Development

Funding Opportunity Description

The objective of NOFO-0003390 is to establish mining technology proving grounds that accelerate novel technology development for the U.S. mining sector. These competitive awards would invest in the infrastructure and technologies to transform mining practices and speed the development of secure and resilient domestic CMM supply networks of the future.

Program Goals & Objective(s)

This NOFO will enable real-world testing and optimization of the next generation of mining technologies to be deployed at mine sites across the U.S. while offering a training ground for dissemination of skills, technology, practices, and expertise. These proving grounds will be a national resource accessible to all DOE Offices, industry, academia, and other research partners to advance innovation, testing, and workforce development in responsible mining.

Topic Areas

Single Topic Area: Development of Mining Technology Proving Grounds & Accelerated Mine Technology Research & Development (R&D) Projects

Eligible Applicants Domestic Entities (Institutions of higher education; for-profit entities;

non-profit entities; state and local government entities and Indian Tribes) eXCHANGE URL and Helpdesk https://netl-exchange.energy.gov/ NETL-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov

KEY DATES

Notice of Funding Opportunity Issue Date:

11/14/2025

Application Deadline:

12/15/2025

Anticipated Selection Notification Date:

1/16/2026

Conditional Award Date:

1/23/2026

Award Date:

6/15/2026

Estimated Period of Performance:

06/15/2026 – 6/14/2030

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1. Funding Details Single Topic Area

• Approximate total available funding: $80,000,000 in FY26

• Approximate number of awards: Up to four

• Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: $5,000,000 to $40,000,000 o The broad range of dollar amounts for individual awards represents DOE’s desire to support a diverse set of facility designs, allowing for proving grounds of varying scales, complexities, and capabilities leveraging existing infrastructure where possible, and enabling targeted demonstration of technologies across different stages of the mining process.

• Minimum cost share required: 20% of total project cost

• Approximate award project period: 48 months

• Anticipated length of budget periods (BP): BP 1 & BP 2: for development of proving ground; BP

3: initial project execution o Three BPs will be required. The first two will take place during the development of the proving ground facilities, the third will take place during execution of the initial project(s). Applicants should select a logical length of each budget period along with logical Go/No-Go decision points at the end of each of the first two BPs.

2. Period of Performance

DOE anticipates making awards comprised of multiple budget periods. If applicable, project continuation will be contingent upon DOE’s Go/No-Go decision. For a complete list and more information on the Go/No-Go review, see the NOFO Part 2, Award Administration Information. Funding for all budget periods, including the initial budget period, is not guaranteed. Given the distinct nature of the requested activities to include the development of a proving ground facility and the subsequent execution of technology testing at these grounds, multiple budget periods are necessary. The primary focus and a significant portion of the effort will be dedicated to the development of the proving ground facility. To facilitate more effective go/no-go decision points, it is intended that this development phase span multiple budget periods. Applicants are encouraged to propose and recommend the logical budget period breaks, as these points may vary considerably depending on the specific application.”

B. Executive Summary The Department of Energy (DOE), through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), intends to support the establishment of Mining Technology Proving Grounds that will act as specialized mining technology testing and research facilities.

The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to develop and operate field-scale proving grounds that serve as testbeds for validating and de-risking emerging mining technologies. Additionally, these proving grounds are expected to provide the necessary infrastructure, operating environment, and technical capabilities to enable the advancement of innovative technologies from laboratory and/or bench-scale development to integrated field-scale demonstration.

DOE’s vision includes encouraging robust and lasting industry and academic partnerships (e.g., consortia, joint industry partnerships), thereby creating a vital pipeline for innovative technologies and a skilled workforce in mining that will serve as a foundation for domestic mining innovation for many years to come. In addition, applicants must also propose a minimum of one (1) and no more than two

(2) mining technology development projects to be conducted at the proving ground. These envisioned

Version 2.0 Page 7 of 52 mining technology development projects must demonstrate clear progression from laboratory and/or bench-scale validation to field-scale testing at the proving ground site by progressing the proposed technology by at least one TRL from the project(s) beginning. Initial mine technology projects can start anywhere from TRL 2 to TRL 6. Due to the accelerated schedule for this NOFO, if selected, the applicant may be asked to amend the initial projects further during the negotiation and/or definitization process.

In summary, FE is requiring applications to include two distinct elements 1) establishment of proving ground and 2) mine technology project(s) that would utilize and demonstrate efficacy of the proving ground.

The proving grounds funded under this announcement will serve as critical platforms to reduce the technical and economic risks associated with novel mining technologies to be utilized by government agencies, industrial partners, and academic institutions. By advancing promising technologies through field-scale validation, the program will accelerate pathways to commercialization, thereby supporting secure, sustainable, and responsible U.S. mining operations.

The DOE aims for a diverse portfolio of proving ground facilities to demonstrate a broad range of mining technologies across various mineral types, geologic settings, and operational scales. The varied estimated award amounts for individual awards reflect DOE's desire to support diverse facility designs, allowing for proving grounds of varying scales, complexities, and capabilities, leveraging existing infrastructure, and enabling targeted technology demonstration across mining process stages.

C. Agency Contact Information Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Ave SW Washington, D.C. 20585

For questions relating to this specific NOFO, please send emails to DE-FOA-0003390@netl.doe.gov.

mailto:DE-FOA-0003390@netl.doe.gov

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Section II: Eligibility

II. Eligibility

To be considered for substantive evaluation, an applicant’s submission must meet the criteria set forth below. If the application does not meet these eligibility requirements, it will be considered ineligible and removed from further evaluation and ineligible for any award. DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this NOFO must be submitted. The decision whether to apply in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. The information included here is specific to eligibility requirements for this NOFO. For eligibility requirements applicable to all NOFOs, please consult the NOFO Part 2, Eligibility.

A. Eligible Applicants To be considered for substantive evaluation, an applicant’s submission must meet the criteria set forth below. If the application does not meet these eligibility requirements, it will be considered ineligible and removed from further evaluation.

1. Domestic Entities Domestic entities are eligible to apply as recipients or subrecipients. The following types of domestic entities are eligible to participate as a recipient or subrecipient of this NOFO:

• Institutions of higher education; (See Title 20 U.S.C. § 1001 for the definition);

• For-profit organization;

• Nonprofit organization;

• State and local governmental entities; and

• Indian Tribes, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance

Act, 25 U.S.C. § 53041

To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States or under the laws of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.

Participation of the following entities are limited as follows.

• DOE FFRDCs2 are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.

1 “Indian Tribe,” for the purposes of this NOFO and as defined in in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 5304), means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. § 1601, et seq.], which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

2 FFRDCs are public-private partnerships that conduct research for the U.S. government. A listing of FFRDCs can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:25%20section:5304%20edition:prelim) https://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/92/203.pdf#:%7E:text=688%20PUBLIC%20LAW%2092-203-DEC.%2018%2C%201971%20%5B85%20STAT.,and%20for%20other%20purposes.%20Alaska%20Native%20Claims%20Settlement https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:43%20section:1601%20edition:prelim) http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/

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• Non-DOE FFRDCs are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.

• Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are typically not eligible to apply as a recipient.

NETL is not eligible for award under this announcement and may not be proposed as a subrecipient on another entity’s application. An application that includes NETL as a recipient or subrecipient will be considered non-responsive.

2. Foreign Entity Participation In general, foreign entities are not eligible to apply as either a recipient or subrecipient. In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient.

A foreign entity may submit an application to this NOFO, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request. Likewise, if the applicant seeks to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, the applicant must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in the application for each proposed foreign subrecipient. Please see NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements for the requirements for submission of a foreign entity waiver request. The applicant does not have the right to appeal DOE’s decision concerning a waiver request.

• DOE FFRDCs3 are not eligible to participate as a recipient or subrecipient

• Non-DOE FFRDCs are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a recipient.

• Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are typically not eligible to apply as a recipient.

Performance of Work in the United States All work for the awards under this NOFO must be performed in the United States. To request a waiver of this requirement, the applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the application. Absent an approved waiver, such costs will not be allowable under the award. The NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements lists the requirements for submission of a foreign work waiver request.

Ineligible Participants The following entities are ineligible for participation in this NOFO as a recipient, subrecipient, or subcontractor.

• In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, entities banned from doing business with the U.S.

government such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in federal programs.

3 FFRDCs are public-private partnerships that conduct research for the U.S. government. A listing of FFRDCs can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/.

http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/

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• Entities identified on Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control Treasury’s Sanctions Program Specially Designated Nationals list are prohibited from doing business with the United States government and are not eligible. See OFAC - Sanctions List Service (treas.gov).

• Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply for funding.

Entity of Concern Prohibition Entities of Concern are prohibited from participating in projects selected under this NOFO (see NOFO Part 2, Eligibility, Other Eligibility Information, Entity of Concern Prohibition section for details and definitions).

B. Limitation on Number of Applications Eligible for Review An entity may submit more than one application to this NOFO, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project.

C. Cost Sharing Applicants are expected to follow through on estimated cost share commitments proposed in their applications if selected for award negotiations. Please refer to the NOFO Part 2, Eligibility for more information on Cost Sharing.

3. Cost Share Requirements The cost share must be at least 20% of the total project costs4 for research and development.5 Applications that do not meet the minimum required cost share will be deemed ineligible during the initial compliance review and will not be further reviewed. The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.

The cost share percentage is calculated by dividing the cost share by the total allowable project costs for the award where the total allowable project costs include government share (including FFRDC costs if applicable) and cost share. To help applicants calculate proper cost share amounts, DOE has included a cost share information sheet and sample cost share calculation in the NOFO Part 2, Eligibility—Cost Sharing, Cost Share Calculation Examples.

4. Unallowable Cost Share Sources, NOFO Specific The unallowable cost share sources identified here are specific to this announcement. Refer to NOFO Part 2, Eligibility--Cost Sharing, Unallowable Cost Share Sources for unallowable cost share sources applicable to all NOFOs. The recipient and subrecipient(s) may not use the following sources to meet cost share obligations:

• Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the project period;

• Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity;

• Federal funding or property (e.g., federal grants, equipment owned by the federal

4 Total project costs are the sum of the government share, including FFRDC costs if applicable, and the recipient share of project costs.

5 Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. 109-58, sec. 988. Also see 2 CFR 200.306 and 2 CFR 910.130 for additional cost sharing requirements.

https://sanctionslist.ofac.treas.gov/Home/SdnList

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• Expenditures that were reimbursed under a separate federal program.

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Section III: Program Description

III. Program Description

A. Background and Context The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Critical Minerals and Materials Program is issuing this NOFO. Awards made under this NOFO will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA). Notably, under IIJA Section 41003, DOE plans to invest appropriations of approximately $80 million for the four (4) year project period for the Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative.

The activities to be funded under this NOFO support Sections 7001(a) and 7002(g) of the Energy Act of 2020, as funded by IIJA Section 41003(c), as well as the broader government-wide approach to advance and potentially commercialize technology developed through the research, design, construction and operation of technologies that utilize unconventional resources to produce CMM for our Nation’s energy, national security and domestic commodity needs. These provisions are focused on the following objectives:

• Rare Earth Mineral Security (42 U.S.C. 13344(a)) ο Developing and assessing advanced separation technologies for the extraction and recovery of other critical materials from coal and coal byproducts.

ο Determining if there are, and mitigate, any potential environmental or public health impacts that could arise from the recovery of rare earth elements from coal-based resources.

• Critical Material Innovation, Efficiency, and Alternatives (30 U.S.C. 1606(g)) o Developing alternatives to critical materials that do not occur in significant abundance in the

United States.

o Promoting the efficient production, use, and recycling of critical materials, with special consideration for domestic critical materials, throughout the supply chain.

o Ensuring the long-term, secure, and sustainable supply of critical materials.

o Prioritizing work in areas that the private sector, by itself, is not likely to undertake due to financial or technical limitations.

This NOFO builds on prior Department of Energy (DOE), other government agency, and private sector investment, and implements Sections 7001(a) and 7002(g) of the Energy Act of 2020 and IIJA Section 41003(b)-(c) through the program’s research and development activities by the creation of innovative methods and technologies for the efficient and sustainable provision of critical materials to the domestic economy and the expected activities under the program to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of the extraction, processing, manufacturing, use, recovery, and recycling of critical materials.

Also, Section 7002(g) of the Energy Act of 2020 directs the establishment of a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercialization. This program will also support the broader government-wide approach to upgrading and modernizing infrastructure by strengthening critical domestic manufacturing and associated supply networks.

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B. Program Purpose The United States imports greater than 80% of its rare earth elements from non-domestic supplies. For example, domestic industrial and defense sectors are entirely reliant on China for more than 25% of our critical minerals6. Recent accounting of critical mineral flows7 indicates that the U.S. continues to lose market share to other countries.

The CMM program, an initiative of the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, is addressing this challenge through the release of this NOFO DE-FOA-0003390, titled "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) - Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative." This NOFO aims to foster domestic investment in critical mineral and material production at an industrial scale, thereby strengthening all facets of the U.S. energy system. A core objective is the establishment of mining technology proving grounds. These facilities will accelerate the development of novel technologies for the U.S. mining sector. Competitive awards will fund infrastructure and technological advancements that will transform mining practice and facilitate the creation of secure and resilient domestic critical material supply networks. The NOFO will enable real-world testing and optimization of next-generation mining technologies for deployment across U.S. mine sites, concurrently serving as a training platform for disseminating essential skills, technologies, practices, and expertise. This program seeks to restore U.S. prominence in the mining sector through technological pathways that leverage both conventional and unconventional methods and resources.

President Donald Trump, recognizing the need to secure America’s critical material supply networks, included “critical minerals” in the definition of EO 14156, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, which highlighted the role critical materials play in all parts of the U.S. energy system, including hydrocarbon energy production, refining, and other industrial uses.8 President Trump also released EO 14241, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,9 which highlights the need to immediately increase domestic mineral production. Pursuant to sections 7001(a) and 7002(g) of the Energy Act of 2020,10 sections 41003(b) to (c) of the IIJA,11 and the EOs, this NOFO will leverage American mining leadership to secure materials vital for our future.

6 Critical material as defined in 30 U.S.C. § 1606(a)(2), meaning (A) any non-fuel mineral, element, substance, or material that the Secretary of Energy determines (i) has a high risk of a supply chain disruption; and (ii) serves an essential function in 1 or more energy technologies, including technologies that produce, transmit, store, and conserve energy; or (B) a critical mineral. See also What Are Critical Materials and Critical Minerals? | Department of Energy.

7 U.S. Geological Survey, 2025, Mineral commodity summaries 2025 (ver. 1.2, March 2025): U.S. Geological Survey, 212 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/mcs2025 8 Exec. Order No. 14156 of January 20, 2025, Declaring a National Energy Emergency, 90 Fed. Reg. 8433 (Jan. 29, 2025), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/29/2025-02003/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency.

9 Exec. Order No. 14241 of March 20, 2025, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, 90 Fed.

Reg. 13673 (March 25, 2025), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/25/2025-05212/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production.

10 Energy Act of 2020, Pub. L. 116-260, div. Z, title VII, §§ 7001(a) and 7002(g), Dec. 27, 2020, as amended, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-116publ260/pdf/PLAW-116publ260.pdf.

11 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58, div. D, title X, § 41003(b)-(c), Nov. 15, 2021, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-117publ58.pdf.

https://critical/ https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:30%20section:1606%20edition:prelim) https://www.energy.gov/cmm/what-are-critical-materials-and-critical-minerals https://www.energy.gov/cmm/what-are-critical-materials-and-critical-minerals https://doi.org/10.3133/mcs2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/29/2025-02003/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/29/2025-02003/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/25/2025-05212/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/25/2025-05212/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-116publ260/pdf/PLAW-116publ260.pdf https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-117publ58.pdf

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This NOFO establishes proving grounds to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge mining technologies from R&D to field deployment. These proving grounds will offer standardized testing, shared resources, controlled environments, and robust data analysis to de-risk and validate new technologies. They will also foster collaboration, ensure regulatory compliance, and assess market readiness. This NOFO specifically focuses on accelerating sustainable domestic critical mineral production, advancing innovation, developing a skilled workforce, and enhancing public perception of mining through demonstrated environmental stewardship and energy efficiency.

C. Program Goals and Objectives

This NOFO seeks applications to address the establishment of Mining Technology Proving Grounds and accelerate the development of innovative technologies for the U.S. mining sector. This initiative aims to re-establish U.S. leadership in mining by fostering real-world testing, optimization, and deployment of next generation mining technologies, addressing a critical need for secure and resilient domestic Critical Mineral (CM) supply networks.

The primary goal is to establish a field-scale mine proving ground in Budget Period (BP) 1 and BP 2. This facility will host one or two initial R&D envisioned projects in BP 3, focusing on technologies that have progressed beyond laboratory/bench-scale. The objective is to de-risk new mining technologies for commercialization and industry adoption. For purposes of this NOFO, Proving Ground and Facility are used interchangeably and indicate the site in which the envisioned project will be carried out.

Additionally, initial mine technology projects can be used interchangeably with Projects, Envisioned Projects, and mine technologies and describe the projects carried out in the Facility in BP 3.

Furthermore, for the purposes of this NOFO, Critical Minerals (CM) and Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) are used interchangeably.

DOE envisions that, once established, these proving ground facilities will represent national assets that can accelerate technology innovation by serving as collaborative platforms for future DOE funded projects and as shared resources for industry, academia, and other partners, aligned with DOE mission priorities and subject to the availability of funding.

1. Strategic Aims

This program seeks to re-establish U.S. leadership in the mining sector by supporting R&D in both conventional and unconventional methods and resources. Technology areas include: ore body/resource exploration, appraisal, mining, processing, automation, energy management, and waste management.

The proving grounds will facilitate field-scale testing and maturation of innovative technologies for responsible critical mineral mining, streamlining processes, and reducing risks and costs.

This competitive funding opportunity will support awards for infrastructure development and technologies that transform mining practices. The proving grounds should be designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of Mine Technology projects and will facilitate the maturation of advanced mining technologies. The Mine Technology projects can range from laboratory and/or bench-scale (TRL 2) to field-scale (TRL 6) and must be able to transition at least one TRL from the project’s start. The proving ground will aid in overcoming the "valley of death" where promising technologies often stall due to a lack of suitable testing environments. These sites will also serve as vital training grounds for a new generation of skilled American miners.

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2. Core Objectives of Proving Grounds

The proving ground facilities are designed to accelerate the entire exploration-to-production timeline, realizing the "Mine of the Future" vision by de-risking mining technology, developing new methods to reduce waste, and increasing co-product recovery from conventional mining. They will also enhance mineral recovery, emphasize small-footprint mining, foster low-impact tailings management, develop a skilled workforce, improve the sector’s public image, and support regulatory agencies in adopting tested innovations.

3. Specific Proving Ground Competencies

Centralized testing facilities can play a vital role in innovation within the mining industry by streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, ensuring compliance, and ultimately fostering the development of safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly mining technologies. The Proving Ground should establish these competencies.

Proving Ground Competencies Description

Standardization of Procedures

Establish standardized testing protocols and methodologies, ensuring consistent results across various innovations to aid in comparing outcomes and determining the effectiveness of new technologies.

Resource Optimization

Reduce barriers to smaller companies and startups through shared resources such as advanced equipment, instrumentation, and skilled personnel, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency. This will deliver the benefit from access to high-quality testing without the burden of establishing their own facilities and staff.

Controlled Environment

Provide controlled environments that minimize external variables that could affect test outcomes. This is particularly important for mining technologies, where factors such as geological conditions and environmental impacts can substantially influence performance.

Data Collection and Analysis

Support comprehensive data collection and analysis, facilitating better R&D practices and outcomes. This leads to faster iteration and improvement of technologies based on empirical evidence derived from extensive testing.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Serves as a hub for collaboration among various stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies. Facilitate anonymization and publication. Such collaboration can enhance knowledge sharing and accelerate innovation within the mining sector.

Regulatory Compliance

Aids new mining technologies in compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The testing facilities can ensure that all tests adhere to relevant standards, facilitating smoother certification processes and reducing the time to market for new technologies.

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Proving Ground Competencies Description

Market Readiness

Accelerates market readiness by validating new technologies against real industry standards and performance expectations. Through testing at the proving ground, companies and investors gain confidence that these innovations are ready for increased investment and large-scale adoption.

Risk Management Identify potential risks and challenges associated with new technologies in a controlled environment before they are deployed at actual mining operations. This enhances safety and reduces the likelihood of costly failures.

4. Collaborative Approach and Investment

Successful R&D efforts and proving grounds will be built on partnerships between eligible entities providing training opportunities for future American miners. This initiative aims to accelerate R&D progress from development to commercialization in the field. It will address gaps that neither universities nor the private sector typically prioritize for investment.

5. Mine Technology Projects (TRL 2-6)

Applicants should propose high impact mining technology projects (TRL 2-6) that require field testing to advance to TRL 7 and beyond.

Projects are recommended, but not required to align with one of three technology development areas:

1. Resource Characterization and Exploration

2. Mining and Processing

3. Equipment and Productivity

An example list of Specific R&D Technology Areas of Interest that can fit into these three categories is below.

DOE will fund mining technology projects that can be developed past laboratory/bench-scale and subsequently tested and demonstrated in a field-scale proving ground. Proving ground test beds will be constructed within the first two budget periods of the award, with technology testing occurring in later years. To ensure the award of high-quality projects through the proving ground, applicants are required to propose at least one mine technology project for development and validation at the facility. A maximum of two proposed projects per applicant may be awarded. If the applicant’s proposal is selected, these initial projects may be amended during negotiations and/or definitization.

In addition to these initial projects, once established, DOE anticipates that these proving ground facilities will serve as platforms to host other DOE funded R&D activities and collaborations, and will be made available as resources to industry, academia, and other research partners. Utilization of these facilities for additional efforts will be subject to DOE programmatic priorities, merit review, and the availability of future funding.

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6. Research Focus: Innovative Critical Mineral Recovery

Projects will develop and test innovative mining technologies for recovery of CMM from domestic ores.

The goal is to enhance efficiencies, reduce environmental impact, minimize waste, and improve recovery by integrating automation, selective recovery, and modular mobile infrastructure for sustainable mining operations.

7. Specific R&D Technology Areas of Interest

The following is a list of R&D technical areas of interest and is not comprehensive. Other relevant technologies may be included in applications.

Category R&D Technology Focus Description

Comminution & Rock Mechanics

Comminution Efficiency

Technologies to improve mineral ore comminution efficiency and reduce grinding energy consumption (physical, chemical, electrochemical).

Rock Fracturing & Permeability

Techniques to improve rock fracturing, pore connection, and permeability, enhancing in situ critical mineral extraction efficacy (physical, mechanical).

Extraction In situ Leaching Methods for mineral extraction that minimize surface disruption and waste.

Automation & Robotics

Automation & Robotics

Technologies to automate manual mining tasks (e.g., visual inspection, sampling, material movement) using drones and robotics; development of subsurface hardware, sensors, and computational tools for automation and robotics in ore digging, hauling, extraction, and processing.

Data & Sensing

Advanced Drilling Drilling technologies with real-time sensing capabilities.

Real-time Material Tracking

Technologies to track and monitor mineralogy of feedstock/ore streams (solid, liquid, slurry) in real-time at the mine or processing plant.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

(ML)

Algorithms to optimize equipment efficiency, resource extraction, and processing; development of autonomous vehicles and machinery; internet of things (IoT) applications for remote operations and monitoring.

Advanced Sensing Methods or tools for detecting underground ore mineralization and low-grade mineral zones in tailings/refuse. Includes techniques for improved subsurface

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Category R&D Technology Focus Description characterization for precision extraction, sensing while drilling, and exploratory drilling.

Data Utilization Collection and utilization of big data, neural networks, AI/ML for subsurface/deep ground resource mapping and mineral exploration, including 3-D volumetric assessment.

8. Key Objectives

• Assess mining technologies for efficiency, cost, and recovery.

• Develop methods to process low-grade ores, minimize waste rock, and reduce water use.

• Implement selective recovery and physical concentration techniques for ore and tailings.

• Create modular, reconfigurable units for flexible deployment and reduced site disturbance.

9. Technical Requirements

Applicants must provide/address the following:

For the Proving Ground Facility:

The Proving Ground must serve as a testbed for next-generation mining technologies, emphasizing modularity, data integration, and real-world validation of critical mineral extraction, processing, and environmental management solutions.

General Infrastructure Requirements:

• Location and Access: Must be within the United States with demonstrated access to mineralized materials or simulated deposits representative of CM (e.g., REEs, graphite, lithium, nickel, cobalt).

• Operational Readiness: Must include site utilities, safety infrastructure, and permitting to enable field-scale operations up to TRL 7.

• Modularity: Facility design must support plug-and-play testing of multiple technology platforms and allow for reconfiguration to accommodate different mineral systems and extraction processes.

• Scalability: Capable of expanding operations to accommodate future demonstration projects or partnerships. Designs, flowsheets, and plans for a scalable field test facility handling large quantities of materials at a pilot scale.

• Simultaneous Operation: Preference for proving grounds capable of operating multiple R&D projects simultaneously, even if only one is initially proposed.

Technical Capabilities and Instrumentation:

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• Data Acquisition & Monitoring: Deploy a comprehensive digital monitoring system integrating geophysical, geochemical, and operational data into a unified platform (AI/ML-ready).

• Autonomous & Remote Operations: Infrastructure should support operation and testing of autonomous or teleoperated vehicles, robotic systems, and AI-enabled sensing.

• Environmental Monitoring: Real-time air, water, and soil monitoring systems must be included to assess environmental impacts and validate sustainable mining methods.

• Simulation & Digital Twin: Integration with a digital twin environment for real-time simulation, prediction, and validation of process performance.

Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability:

• Safety Protocols: Must adhere to applicable Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, with site-specific health and safety plans in place.

• Environmental Compliance: Must demonstrate conformance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, and other applicable federal and state environmental regulations.

• Sustainability Metrics: Establish baselines for emissions, waste, and energy use; must include monitoring and reporting mechanisms for continuous improvement.

• Community and Workforce Integration: Include local workforce engagement and training opportunities.

Workforce and Collaboration Hub:

• Workforce and Training Integration: Should include provisions for hands-on training, workforce development, and educational use.

• Visitor and Collaboration Center: For engaging with government, industry, academia, and public.

For R&D Mine Technology Projects:

Each applicant must identify up to two (2) initial projects to be demonstrated at the developed proving ground to validate its functionality and de-risk new mining technologies. Proposed initial projects under this funding opportunity may be asked to be amended during negotiations if selected.

Technical Maturity:

• Readiness Level: Proposed technologies must be at TRL 2–6 at project start and demonstrate advancement increasing at least one TRL by project completion.

• Integration with Proving Ground: Must demonstrate compatibility with the facility’s modular systems, safety framework, and data acquisition protocols.

• Performance Metrics: Include clear performance indicators (e.g., recovery efficiency, selectivity, energy intensity, environmental footprint) and justification of economic and technological advantages over conventional methods.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

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• Environmental Footprint: Each project must quantify reductions in waste, emissions, or water/energy consumption compared to baseline operations.

• Safety Plan: Provide a project-specific safety and hazard mitigation plan consistent with the Proving Ground’s operational safety framework.

Collaboration and Commercialization:

• Industry and Academic Partnerships: Demonstrate engagement with industry and/or academia, to support commercialization and workforce development.

• Transition Plan: Include a post-demonstration pathway outlining next steps toward commercialization or follow-on pilot deployment.

10. Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

Research should begin between TRL 2-6 and aim to advance at a minimum of one TRL by the completion of work at the proving ground.

D. Expected Performance Goals Applicants shall propose at a minimum, one and a maximum of two high impact applied Mine Technology (TRL 2-6, laboratory and/or bench-scale to small pilot scale) projects that require field testing to mature to a higher TRL and onward toward demonstration. These projects will be developed in budget period 3 of the effort after the proving ground facility is designed, built, and tested in budget periods 1 & 2. It is recommended, but not required, that the Mine Technology projects fit within the scope of one of three technology development areas 1) Resource Characterization and Exploration, 2) Mining and Processing, 3) Equipment and Productivity.

The project teams and proving ground capabilities shall consider R&D in the following areas, but are not limited to: (primary focus of increasing TRL from 2-6) o Advanced drilling technologies o Novel geophysical techniques and methods o Digital subsurface applications (sensors, autonomous operations, robotics, real-time drilling and extraction) o In situ mineral extraction (e.g., beneficiation, in situ recovery by solution mining or biomining) o Novel processing (includes Run of Mine (ROM) and waste) o Tailings management- safe and responsible processing, storage, and management of waste

Includes the material itself, associated water and chemical products (additives) from processing and recovery circuits o Terrestrial analogues to marine mineral recovery o Mineral traceability

All analytical characterization data and information generated pertaining to samples, such as components and concentration information, will be delivered to NETL with unlimited rights. NETL

Version 2.0 Page 21 of 52 intends to make this information publicly available in NETL’s Energy Data eXchange (EDX) database platform which can be found by accessing the following URL link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/ree-cmm.

The Mine Technology projects developed under this NOFO are aimed to:

• Address key gaps in the technology and skilled worker development pipeline for the CMM supply network sector. Specifically, the challenges associated with advancing R&D progress from low TRL to field and demonstration scale, minimizing the technology valley of death. This represents the often-neglected TRLs 4-7, at which research moves to market. This is where neither universities nor private sectors prioritize investment.

• Research efforts to develop innovative methods to reduce the traditional mining footprint.

Studies show nearly half of the mined rock goes to waste. This includes reducing waste rock, reducing energy consumption, reducing water usage, and using novel technologies and practices all in an effort to increase the ratio of economic fraction processed to total material mined. This may be accomplished with an overall reduction in total mined material or by finding new economic fraction(s) from other materials that traditionally were not separated from the mined rock. Due to low ore grades in unconventional deposits, the most likely situation is reduction of waste using innovative processing and co-production of other materials.

• Address lack of government federal participation with industry which was lost with closure of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) in 1996.

This NOFO aims to re-establish U.S. leadership in the mining sector by focusing on technology paths that use both conventional and unconventional methods and resources.

• The Mine technology areas include 1) Resource Characterization and Exploration, 2) Mining and Processing, and 3) Equipment and Productivity.

• The proving ground facilities will primarily support field-scale testing and maturation of innovative technologies and approaches for conducting responsible mining of CM, helping de-risk technologies, streamline complex processes and tasks while reducing risks and costs.

• It is preferred that the proving ground proposed can operate multiple and diverse Mine Technology projects simultaneously even if only one is being proposed as part of the project.

E. Teaming Partner List DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of project teams for this NOFO. The Teaming Partner List allows organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to other applicants and explore potential partnerships.

The Teaming Partner List will be available on eXCHANGE and will be regularly updated to reflect new teaming partners who provide their organization’s information, link provided on Key Facts section.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the eXCHANGE homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within eXCHANGE.

Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone.

https://edx.netl.doe.gov/ree-cmm

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DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the…