The Reliable Ore Characterization with Keystone Sensing (ROCKS) program supports small-scale research and development projects to advance cutting-edge technologies in drilling, sensing, and analytical technologies to enable rapid, high-resolution, and cost-effective assessment of rare earth elements (REE) in ore deposits.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
July 7, 2026
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The Reliable Ore Characterization with Keystone Sensing (ROCKS) program supports small-scale research and development projects to advance cutting-edge technologies in drilling, sensing, and analytical technologies to enable rapid, high-resolution, and cost-effective assessment of rare earth elements (REE) in ore deposits. Specifically, projects will focus on three main categories:
- drilling technology to increase penetration rates and core recovery,
- sensing and analysis technologies to provide higher-resolution mineralogical and geochemical information in situ or at a distance, and
- other unique concepts that disrupt the current state of REE characterization.
If successful, ROCKS projects would reduce the time and cost to characterize REE orebodies, increase long-term access to REEs and critical minerals needed to power U.S. energy, technology, and defense, thereby increasing U.S. mineral and energy security.