The purpose of this RFI is to solicit input for a potential future ARPA-E research program focused on novel, potentially transformative technical opportunities and approaches to liberate minerals relevant to our energy infrastructure while concurrently mineralizing carbon dioxide. With increased global competition for minerals in emerging technology, defense, and clean energy applications, any shortage of critical mineral resources “constitutes a strategic vulnerability for the security and prosperity of the United States.” The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has recently published a list of such materials; however, in addition to the critical metals identified by DOI, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is also interested in other energy-relevant base transition metals.

Response Date: Feb. 18, 2021