01/11/2026
DNR: Indiana council advances work to become a national leader in rare earth mineral recovery
News Release by Indiana DNR:
Indiana can lead in reducing U.S. reliance on China for critical elements & minerals
The Indiana Rare Earth Recovery Council, created by Governor Mike Braun’s Executive Order 25-62, has approved a report that will help guide Indiana to become a national leader in the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal byproducts.
Rare earth elements are an essential building block of electronic, medical, and military technology. Onshoring the production of rare earth elements to Indiana is key to the U.S. reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates rare earth production.
The council is spearheading efforts to reclaim rare earth elements and critical materials from legacy coal byproducts. As one of the top coal producing states in the nation, Governor Braun is positioning Indiana as a national leader in the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal byproducts.
“Indiana is taking the lead on bringing together federal, state, academic, and industry experts to develop a strategy for rare earth elements that advances America’s key national and economic interests,” said Governor Braun. “This work, which Indiana is uniquely positioned to lead as a top coal-producing state, is critical to our state and to our nation.”
Ned Mamula, Ph.D., the director of the U.S. Geological Survey, shared high praise for Indiana and Governor Braun’s leadership in supporting this vital work.
“As the United States geologist, I congratulate the state of Indiana on developing a domestic supply of rare earth elements while cleaning up former coal sites, and the state’s work to help re-establish the field of geology that is essential for rare earth element recovery, oil and gas exploration, and the siting of nuclear energy,” said Mamula. “Indiana’s leadership will serve the country well and I look forward to working with them.”
The report provides several recommendations for future actions, which include working with industry to identify priority partners and sites, considering performance-based incentives, streamlining permitting, and pursuing federal funding support.
Produced in coordination by the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the Indiana University Department of Economics, the report details Indiana’s large potential supply of rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal-based waste materials. The report was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Indiana Office of Energy Development.
China dominates production of rare earth minerals. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the world is dependent on China for 70% of production and 90% of processing of rare earth metals and compounds – and 100% of heavy earth element processing, which is of critical need.
Video recording of the council’s meetings are available at –
• November 2025 meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/ck-KHSlYU6s
• December 2025 meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iinOFLFS4A
