The Reliable Ore Characterization with Keystone Sensing (ROCKS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will accelerate U.S. mineral independence through rapid, high-resolution, cost-effective technologies to assess critical mineral deposits with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

ROCKS aims to support the development of next-generation technologies to transform the ore deposit characterization process. Technologies of interest are grouped into 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 characterization.

Submission deadlines:

• Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 9/25/2025 9:30 AM ET
• Full Application Submission Deadline: TBD