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 29, 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, (1) drilling technology to increase penetration rates and core recovery, (2) sensing and analysis technologies to provide higher-resolution mineralogical and geochemical information in situ or at a distance, and (3) 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 and 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.