Wyoming Rare Earths Fund

Wyoming Rare Earths Fund is sponsored by Wyoming Energy Authority. The Wyoming Rare Earths Fund (WREF) provides matching grants for commercial deployment projects focused on the processing and separation of rare earth resources located in Wyoming. The program aims to leverage private and federal investment, create jobs, add value to Wyoming resources, and enhance domestic supply chains for critical materials.

Projects should pursue construction or operations of commercial deployment projects related to rare earth resources in Wyoming, demonstrate established commitments for dollar-for-dollar funding match, provide a public benefit for Wyoming, and demonstrate the ability to successfully execute the project.

Wyoming Rare Earths Fund - Wyoming Energy Authority Established by the Wyoming Legislature during the 2026 Session, the Wyoming Rare Earths Fund (WREF) provides up to $16 million in matching grants for commercial deployment projects focused on the processing and separation of rare earth resources located in Wyoming.

The program is intended to leverage private and federal investment while supporting projects that create jobs, add value to Wyoming resources and enhance domestic supply chains for materials critical to national security and advanced manufacturing. Rare earth elements are essential components in a wide range of technologies, including defense systems, energy infrastructure, electronics, transportation and advanced manufacturing.

As global demand continues to grow, Wyoming is uniquely positioned to play a larger role in developing a secure domestic supply of these critical materials. The program is open to individuals and companies seeking matching funds to meet the purposes of WREF. For full WREF guidelines, click the button below.

Successful projects will: Pursue construction or operation(s) of commercial deployment projects related to the processing or separation of rare earth resources in Wyoming. Have and can demonstrate established commitments for the dollar-for-dollar funding match. Provide a public benefit for Wyoming.

Demonstrate the ability to successfully execute the project. Proposal and Funding Protocol The WREF project review process includes an initial concept paper, followed by an invitation to submit a formal application.

The project proposal then goes to the Review Committee consisting of, but not limited to, representatives from the WEA, Wyoming State Geological Survey, Office of the Governor, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Wyoming Business Council and the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office. If projects are recommended to proceed, a thirty-day public comment period opens.

All comments are reviewed and considered in the final decision for awarding Wyoming Rare Earths Funds; however, individual responses are not provided. Finally, the project application goes to the Attorney General’s office before being submitted to the Governor for final approval.

This public process ensures that each project awarded has been thoroughly considered by multiple parties, including an invitation to members of the public to weigh in on projects. Please read the full Wyoming Rare Earths Fund guidelines and information packet for more information regarding eligibility, guidelines and submission requirements. Questions can be submitted via email to wea@wyo.

gov . The Wyoming Rare Earths Fund continuously accepts applications. However, the review process takes place three times a year.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM Mountain Time on March 1, July 1 and November 1. If the submission deadline falls on a weekend or a Wyoming public holiday, submissions will be accepted until 5:00 PM Mountain Time on the next regular workday. Applications can be submitted at any time prior to submission deadlines.

Recommended Projects and Public Comment The following are projects that have been recommended and are open for public comment, or have previously been approved. All comments are reviewed and considered in the final decision for awarding Wyoming Energy Dominance Funds; however, individual responses are not provided. Please provide public comment by submitting an email to wea@wyo.

gov .