# DOE Seeks Industry Input on Surplus Minerals

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management (EM) issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) on September 18, 2026, inviting American industry to provide input on the potential transfer and utilization of surplus critical minerals, rare earth elements, and other materials located at five EM cleanup sites nationwide. This initiative targets materials at legacy nuclear cleanup locations including Paducah, Kentucky; Portsmouth, Ohio; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, aiming to support domestic supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and national security priorities. A virtual Industry Day is scheduled for September 30, 2026, to engage potential partners and discuss collaboration opportunities.

- **Why this matters:** This EOI signals DOE's intent to leverage valuable surplus materials from environmental cleanup sites, creating procurement opportunities for companies specializing in critical minerals recovery, processing, and reuse.
- Procurement professionals should note the strategic focus on supporting domestic supply chains and national security through material reutilization.
- Industry stakeholders can engage directly via the upcoming virtual Industry Day and submit questions to the designated DOE contact to explore partnership and contract opportunities.
- Organizations involved in advanced manufacturing and critical minerals sectors may find new avenues for collaboration and business development through this initiative.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM)
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

### Sources
- [DOE Seeks Industry Input on Surplus Critical Minerals and Materials at Cleanup Sites | Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/doe-seeks-industry-input-surplus-critical-minerals-and-materials-cleanup-sites) - Energy Fecm