AMERMIN has been awarded an $11.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to scale sustainable domestic production of critical materials and minerals, with an initial focus on tungsten carbide.
The Austin, Texas-based company positions the award as a step toward strengthening U.S. supply chain resilience and reducing dependence on foreign-sourced materials that are used across defense, energy, aerospace, construction, healthcare, technology, and other industrial sectors. AMERMIN said the project will support more efficient, lower-cost production of virgin-quality tungsten carbide powder from reclaimed feedstock, targeting applications tied to national security and everyday industrial demand.
CEO Ryan McAdams said the funding will allow AMERMIN to increase tungsten carbide output by 300% by expanding its tungsten carbide reclamation facility. The company cited the concentration of global tungsten supply as a key vulnerability, noting that a large share of production is sourced abroad.
AMERMIN’s model centers on recovering materials from “end of life” waste streams and returning them to manufacturing specifications to extend life cycles. Beyond tungsten, the company says it works across a portfolio that includes copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and other critical inputs.
The grant was awarded to MELT Technologies, L.P., which does business as AMERMIN, described as an asset recovery and processing business. AMERMIN is also described as a sister company to Drill Bit Exchange, which focuses on asset recovery solutions for the drill bit industry.
Founded in 2017, AMERMIN has been expanding its operational footprint in Texas. The company said the grant will help scale operations at its nearly 80-acre campus under construction in Briggs, Texas, with the broader expansion expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
Texas lawmakers tied the award to both national security and regional economic benefits, emphasizing the role of domestic critical materials production in supporting American manufacturing and energy supply chains.
KEY QUOTES
“We appreciate the DOE’s confidence in AMERMIN to establish a reliable domestic source of critical materials and minerals, addressing important supply chain and national security issues. This funding will enable AMERMIN to increase the output of tungsten carbide by 300 percent through the expansion of our state-of-the-art tungsten carbide reclamation facility, reducing our country’s reliance on foreign nations like China, which produces 83% of the world’s tungsten supply. We know that America’s future depends on access to critical materials, and together we are charting a new path in American innovation.”
Ryan McAdams, CEO, AMERMIN
“Texas companies continue to develop technologies that enhance our lives and strengthen national security. This significant $11.5 million federal investment in Texas-born AMERMIN, located in the heart of my district, is a testament to the important work the company is doing to increase American manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical materials and minerals that are important to nearly every industry.”
Representative John Carter (TX-31)
“I am thrilled that AMERMIN was selected and approved by the U.S. Department of Energy to increase its production of critical minerals, directly aiding American oil and gas producers. Our country cannot afford to rely on our adversaries for the resources that power our energy industry. This investment strengthens our district’s role in American energy leadership while providing good paying jobs to Texas families.”
Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
