New $120 Million Department Of Energy Center Will Tackle Rare Earths Shortage
Rare-Earths China produces the vast majority of the world's rare-earth oxides. Wikimedia CommonsWith China holding the vast majority of the world's rare earths resources, the DOE is looking to diversify its sources. The U.S. Department of Energy is fighting back against China's stranglehold on global rare earth mineral supplies--or at least throwing money at the problem--by awarding $120 million to Ames Laboratory to set up a new Energy Innovation Hub aimed at shoring up American energy security. Officially titled the Critical Materials Institute (CMI), the DOE lab will roll the resources of more than a dozen national labs, universities, and industry partners into one place in an effort to make rare earths less rare. Rare earths are a collection of 17 elements that are valued for their unique properties. They are used in the production of everything from computer hard drives and smartphones to wind turbines, batteries, and precision weapons systems....