In the News

Ames Lab, CMI Hub partner in NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine

Partnership supports national effort to strengthen critical materials supply chains and manufacturing.

Hands display rare-earth materials at different stages of the supply chain, from a raw ore rock and partially processed granules to finished components represented by cylindrical battery cells and a smartphone, illustrating the progression from mined materials to advanced technology products.

AI-powered hunt for stronger magnets earns Iowa State and Ames Lab $2.7 million grant

AI and advanced chemistry team up to create next-generation magnets.

IPR River to River: New documentary highlights critical material recovery efforts in Iowa

CMI technology and a process developed at Ames National Laboratory is the foundation for the commercialization of acid-free dissolution, which is described in a documentary film described in an interview with the researcher, corporation and filmmaker on the Iowa Public Radio show River to River.

Ames National Laboratory selected for ARPA‑E funding to advance AI‑driven catalyst development

Ames National Laboratory has been selected for funding under a new $34 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA‑E)

Iowa Business Podcast

CMI technology for recovering rare earth elements from electronic waste is licensed to a company in Iowa, which describes the tech and how it is being used.

Ames Lab researchers receive Outstanding Small Research Team Award from Federal Laboratory Consortium

Ames National Laboratory scientists Ikenna Nlebedim and Denis Prodius have been selected to receive a 2026 Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Outstanding Researcher/Small Research Team Award for their pioneering work in developing and transferring a groundbreaking acid‑free rare‑earth recycling technology.

Bloomberg podcast "Odd Lots"

Podcast mentions Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames National Laboratory and several CMI partners.

Ikenna Nlebedim mentioned in Wall Street Journal

Division of Critical Materials Deputy Director Ikenna Nlebedim is mentioned in Wall Street Journal story.

CMI tech featured in Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune

CMI technology developed at Ames National Laboratory is described in story about company that holds exclusive license

Ames Lab Director featured in Des Moines Business Record

Profile of Ames Lab Director Karl Mueller in Des Moines Business Record.