DOE issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the University of North Dakota - Rare Earth Element Demonstration Facilities (DOE/EA-2247).
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
February 18, 2026
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University of North Dakota Rare Earth Element Demonstration Facilities; Multiple Locations, North Dakota
The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) based on the final environmental assessment (EA) for the University of North Dakota - Rare Earth Element Demonstration Facilities (DOE/EA-2247). This EA analyzes the potential environmental and social impacts of funding the University of North Dakota’s (UND) proposed rare earth element (REE) demonstration facilities. UND would develop two mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) concentrate production demonstration facilities co-located with existing coal mines; one adjacent to The Falkirk Mining Company near Underwood, McLean County, North Dakota and one adjacent to BNI Coal, Ltd. in Center, Oliver County, North Dakota. The MREC concentrate from both facilities would be transported to the existing Rare Earth Salts Separation & Refining (RESS&R) facility in Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska
For more information, see University of North Dakota Rare Earth Element Demonstration Facilities.