Indianapolis, Indiana – Governor Mike Braun, joined by Secretary of Commerce David Adams, visited ReElement Technologies’ pilot facility in Noblesville today, spotlighting Indiana’s growing role in the production and recycling of critical minerals, including rare earth elements. The visit underscores both the economic importance of these materials and the state’s efforts to reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources, particularly China.
During the visit, Governor Braun praised ReElement’s work and highlighted Indiana as a hub for innovation in advanced manufacturing. “Indiana’s economy is growing, and the most critical industries are choosing the Hoosier State to innovate and grow. Rare earth elements and critical minerals are extremely important to modern manufacturing, and ReElement is taking a leading role in America’s mission to build our own rare earth supply chain free from dependency on China. We’re proud they are innovating right here in Indiana,” Braun said.
ReElement Technologies has positioned itself at the forefront of recycling and refining critical minerals. The company focuses on elements such as lithium, germanium, gadolinium, antimony, and yttrium, all of which are essential for advanced manufacturing, modern consumer technology, and national defense. By processing these materials from recycled sources, ReElement not only supports sustainability but also strengthens the domestic supply chain for minerals that have historically been sourced primarily from China.
The Noblesville facility represents a key step in scaling domestic rare earth capabilities. In 2021, ReElement acquired Purdue University’s materials purification plant, forging a close collaboration with the university to advance research and processing technologies. This partnership enables the company to leverage academic expertise while creating practical solutions for refining and repurposing critical minerals at scale.
Secretary of Commerce David Adams emphasized the economic significance of ReElement’s work, noting that the facility contributes to high-value manufacturing jobs and positions Indiana as a national leader in the rare earth and critical minerals sector. The state’s support for companies like ReElement aligns with broader federal goals to secure a domestic supply chain for strategic materials that are vital to national security and technological advancement.
As global demand for rare earth elements continues to rise, initiatives like ReElement’s recycling and refining programs are increasingly important. These minerals are integral to technologies ranging from electric vehicles and smartphones to defense systems and medical devices. By reducing reliance on foreign imports and developing homegrown production capabilities, Indiana is helping to ensure that the United States maintains a competitive edge in the technology and manufacturing sectors.
Governor Braun’s visit highlights not only the strategic value of critical minerals but also Indiana’s commitment to innovation and job growth in high-tech industries. ReElement Technologies’ work demonstrates how collaboration between private industry, academia, and government can advance national priorities while fostering local economic development.
With the support of state leaders and ongoing partnerships with research institutions, Indiana is poised to continue expanding its role in the critical minerals and rare earth element market, building a foundation for both economic growth and technological leadership in the United States.
