Central ND News

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has chosen Microbeam Technologies Incorporated, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to be the recipient of $2,499,978 in funding. This significant financial support will enable the company to advance its operations in a crucial manner.

The funding will be utilized by Microbeam Technologies Incorporated to implement a bench-scale system aimed at exhibiting the capability to extract and manufacture high-purity gallium and germanium. These elements will be sourced from a lignite-derived, mixed rare earth element concentrate acquired from selected gallium and germanium-rich lignite carbon ore.

The DOE's decision to allocate this substantial amount of money to Microbeam Technologies Incorporated aligns with a broader objective. The funding, facilitated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, serves a strategic purpose. By bolstering domestic capabilities in critical mineral extraction, the United States aims to diminish its dependence on foreign supply chains. This move is particularly timely as it addresses the escalating demand for essential minerals within the nation.

In summary, the selection of Microbeam Technologies Incorporated by the DOE for this funding signifies a crucial step towards enhancing national self-sufficiency in the realm of critical minerals.