NSF invests in regional capacity to accelerate critical mineral recovery from existing oil and gas wells
Oklahoma aims to launch a test bed to develop advanced mineral extraction applications to strengthen America's supply chain and energy security
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) announced a $6 million investment over three years to support the development of technologies to recover critical minerals from existing oil and gas wells in Oklahoma.
Led by The University of Oklahoma, the “Shale 2.0” project will serve as the foundation for the region to design and integrate a novel test bed where startups, researchers, and industry can develop applications for mineral extraction and related approaches. The investment is pioneering the recovery of critical minerals directly from mature shale reservoirs using existing oil and gas infrastructure, an approach that could transform domestic mineral supply chains. Strengthening U.S. capabilities in critical mineral recovery is essential to maintaining leadership in semiconductors, AI, advanced manufacturing, energy, and national defense.
"NSF continues to prioritize investments in technologies that protect and advance critical national infrastructure, including mineral supply chains, which are highly vulnerable to international market fluctuations and supply chain disruptions," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for TIP. "With this award, NSF is investing in integrated capabilities to produce critical minerals and materials from oil and gas wells already in existence."
America's shale formations hold concentrations of nickel, titanium, manganese, vanadium, and other rare earth elements that, if accessed, could reduce the nation's dependence on imported critical minerals. Whereas developing new domestic mines is often costly and slow, this collaborative project will evaluate how valuable elements can be recovered from existing oil and gas wells without drilling new ones or mining rock at the surface, offering a more efficient and economical pathway.
The first Shale revolution transformed America’s energy landscape by unlocking vast domestic oil and natural gas resources. Now, Shale 2.0 aims to reshape the critical mineral supply chain by accessing elements trapped within those formations. The platform will be built upon existing infrastructure, a mature innovation ecosystem, and decades of geological research in Oklahoma. Stakeholders from local government, industry, academia, and nonprofit accelerators will work together to identify technical barriers, explore potential solutions, recruit new partners, and advance economic and workforce development activities in subsurface science and engineering. NSF's strategic investment will help map the extent of resources, understand fluid–rock–mineral interactions, optimize transport and extraction, and maximize the recovery of both remaining hydrocarbons and critical materials.
By the end of this three-year project, The University of Oklahoma aims to deliver a validated technology platform, predictive models for injection and recovery as supported by the research, a commercialization roadmap, and a workforce development plan that includes Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma's CareerTech system, local community colleges, and industry partners.
This investment aligns with NSF TIP’s broader portfolio in critical minerals research and development, including recently announced NSF Regional Innovation Engines and the NSF Tech Metal Transformation Challenge.
About NSF TIP
The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) seeks to engage all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas — accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth, and preparing the American workforce for better-quality, higher-wage jobs. For more information about NSF TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.