(INDIANAPOLIS) - A state advisory council created by Gov. Mike Braun has approved a report outlining how Indiana could expand efforts to recover rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal byproducts, a process supporters say could strengthen domestic supply chains.
The Indiana Rare Earth Recovery Council, established by executive order, voted to advance recommendations aimed at guiding future policy and investment. The report focuses on extracting rare earth elements from legacy coal waste, materials already present at former mining and processing sites.
Rare earth elements are used in a wide range of technologies, including electronics, medical equipment, renewable energy systems, and defense applications. The United States currently relies heavily on foreign sources--particularly China--for both production and processing.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, China accounts for about 70% of global rare earth production and roughly 90% of processing, with complete control of heavy rare earth element processing.
Supporters of the initiative argue Indiana's coal history gives the state an opportunity to play a role in domestic recovery efforts. Critics and analysts note that large-scale recovery would depend on market conditions, environmental permitting, and long-term federal funding.
The report recommends identifying priority sites and industry partners, considering performance-based incentives, streamlining permitting, and pursuing federal grants. It was produced in coordination with the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana University's Department of Economics.
Funding for the report came from the U.S. Department of Energy through the Indiana Office of Energy Development.
No timeline has been announced for implementation, and any future projects would require legislative, regulatory, and environmental review.
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