The African country is the world's third-largest tantalum producer – also mines tin, tungsten, gold, and niobium and has the potential for lithium and rare earth elements.
$17 million for projects producing rare earth elements and other critical raw materials across the U.S.
Government opens applications for $25.8 million grant, supporting projects across the entire value chain.
Critical minerals and copper are becoming increasingly important due to the energy and transportation transition.
The government plans to accelerate permitting processes and increase funding for regulatory agencies.
Could merge efforts under the Minerals Security Partnership and the Critical Raw Materials Act.