The DOE’s investment will strengthen American critical materials and minerals independence

AMERMIN, the domestic leader in the acquisition, refinement, and distribution of critical materials and minerals, has been awarded a $11.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to sustainably refine and produce critical materials and minerals in the United States, with a focus on tungsten carbide.

Critical materials and minerals are crucial for modern life and are used across nearly every industrial sector, including defense, nuclear power, energy, aerospace, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and technology. Yet these materials and minerals are often mined in foreign countries at a high cost, putting pressure on the global supply chain and forcing reliance on volatile trading partners and nations with substandard mining regulations.

“We appreciate the DOE’s confidence in AMERMIN to establish a reliable domestic source of critical materials and minerals, addressing important supply chain and national security issues,” said Ryan McAdams, CEO of AMERMIN. “This funding will enable AMERMIN to increase the output of tungsten carbide by 300 percent through the expansion of our state-of-the-art tungsten carbide reclamation facility, reducing our country’s reliance on foreign nations like China, which produces 83% of the world’s tungsten supply. We know that America’s future depends on access to critical materials, and together we are charting a new path in American innovation.”

AMERMIN specializes in tungsten, copper, nickel, cobalt, and graphite, taking these materials from “end of life” waste and returning them to manufacturing specifications to extend their life cycles.

“Texas companies continue to develop technologies that enhance our lives and strengthen national security,” said Representative John Carter (TX-31). “This significant $11.5 million federal investment in Texas-born AMERMIN, located in the heart of my district, is a testament to the important work the company is doing to increase American manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical materials and minerals that are important to nearly every industry.”

Founded in Austin, Texas in 2017, AMERMIN has grown rapidly. This grant will enable the company to scale operations and expand its footprint at its nearly 80-acre campus under construction in Briggs, Texas. AMERMIN’s expansion is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2026.

“I am thrilled that AMERMIN was selected and approved by the U.S. Department of Energy to increase its production of critical minerals, directly aiding American oil and gas producers,” said Representative August Pfluger (TX-11). “Our country cannot afford to rely on our adversaries for the resources that power our energy industry. This investment strengthens our district’s role in American energy leadership while providing good paying jobs to Texas families.”

The grant will support the production of virgin-quality tungsten carbide powder from feedstock with greater efficiency and lower cost to be used for manufacturing and across industries essential to U.S. national security and the daily lives of Americans.

The grant was awarded to MELT Technologies, L.P., which does business as AMERMIN, an asset recovery and processing business. AMERMIN is a sister company to Drill Bit Exchange, the leader in asset recovery solutions for the drill bit industry. Learn more about partnering with AMERMIN at https://www.amermin.com/ind.

About AMERMIN

AMERMIN is the domestic leader in the acquisition and refinement of critical materials like tungsten, copper, nickel, cobalt and lithium, taking these materials from “end of life” waste and returning them to manufacturing specifications to extend their life cycles and create a more resilient American supply chain. AMERMIN is leading the way in prioritizing domestic production of these materials, creating a sustainable and profitable approach to recycling. AMERMIN’s innovations prioritize sustainability, enhance national security, and increase job opportunities on American soil. To learn more about AMERMIN, visit www.amermin.com.

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"We know that America’s future depends on access to critical materials, and together we are charting a new path in American innovation."