EventJul 13, 8:00 PM

NSF awards UAF $160M Critical Minerals Accelerator Engine to harness Alaska’s mineral wealth

The National Science Foundation selected the University of Alaska Fairbanks for a critical minerals accelerator engine, awarding an initial $15 million for two years and up to $160 million over ten. Located at the Geophysical Institute, the program will partner with more than 40 private companies, Native corporations, nonprofits and universities and build workforce capacity, strengthening Alaska’s role in U.S. mineral supply security.

Alaska Beacon
Jul 14, 2026, 8:17 PMLatest report
Alaska university gets funding for critical minerals center(opens in a new tab)
NSF awarded the University of Alaska Fairbanks a Critical Minerals Accelerator Engine with $15 million in initial funding and up to $160 million over ten years, headquartered at the Geophysical Institute. The industry‑focused program will partner with more than 40 entities—including private companies, Native corporations, nonprofits and universities—to commercialize critical minerals and advance workforce development, reinforcing Alaska’s leadership in national supply security.
Geophysical Institute News
Jul 13, 2026, 8:00 PMFirst report
National Science Foundation funds UAF‑led critical minerals coalition(opens in a new tab)
The National Science Foundation has committed up to $160 million over a decade to a UAF‑led critical minerals engine that will harness Alaska’s mineral wealth and boost local workforce training, aiming to lessen the U.S. dependence on imported minerals.