Critical minerals center in Alaska

The NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, aims to unlock Alaska’s expansive critical mineral resources by integrating advanced mining, processing, and purification technologies, AI-enabled geochemical exploration systems, and novel bioextraction approaches. The NSF ACMA Engine will connect communities, researchers, workforce development, and industry stakeholders to expand workforce training and career pathways that support high-quality jobs, particularly in remote Alaska communities. By strengthening local workforce capacity and enabling new business and supply chain opportunities, the NSF ACMA Engine will contribute to long-term economic growth, regional stability, and domestic industrial capacity.