Missouri DNR Seeks Contractor to Develop Critical Minerals Plan
Summary
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority, has issued a Request for Proposals to secure a contractor to develop a Missouri Critical Minerals Plan. The plan will analyze opportunities and challenges for critical mineral development, including cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and zinc. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. May 6, 2026.
What changed
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced a Request for Proposals seeking a qualified contractor to develop a comprehensive Missouri Critical Minerals Plan. The plan will include an analysis of opportunities and challenges in critical mineral development, a marketing plan, and policy recommendations to foster domestic production of minerals such as cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and zinc. Missouri hosts 36 of the 60 mineral commodities identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as critical to national economic security.
Contractors specializing in geology, mining, natural resources, or strategic planning may wish to review the RFP and consider submitting proposals. This initiative represents a procedural step toward developing state-level policy to position Missouri as a national leader in critical mineral development and reduce reliance on foreign sources. No compliance obligations or penalties are associated with this procurement announcement.
What to do next
- Submit proposals by 4 p.m. May 6, 2026
- Review RFP requirements at eiera.mo.gov/request-for-proposals
- Monitor MO DNR for future critical minerals development opportunities
Archived snapshot
Apr 10, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 9, 2026 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority to secure a contractor to develop a new Missouri Critical Minerals Plan.
The request for proposals is open until 4 p.m. May 6. The request seeks a qualified contractor to develop a plan that will cultivate interest in development of Missouri’s critical minerals. The plan should include an analysis of opportunities and challenges, a marketing plan and policy recommendations that foster critical mineral development.
The department’s Missouri Geological Survey has provided geologic information and services supporting beneficial use of Missouri’s natural resources since 1853. Missouri is one of the top 10 mineral producing states and hosts 36 of the 60 mineral commodities identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as critical to the national economy and security. Due to its unique geology, Missouri is well suited to lead the nation in all facets of critical mineral development from exploration to post-processing.
“The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is committed to working with our stakeholders to develop a Missouri Critical Mineral Plan,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Missouri has the ability to support the U.S. in developing key aspects of domestic critical mineral production to reduce reliance on foreign countries. This plan will highlight Missouri’s critical mineral potential and marshal the interest and expertise of our partners to prime our state as a national leader in critical mineral development.”
Critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and zinc are the building blocks for modern life, found in products Missourians rely on every day, from cell phones to household appliances.
The department intends to develop a new Missouri Critical Minerals Plan to drive investment and policy that positions Missouri as a leader in critical minerals development. This will support both economic growth and national security by building resilient supply chains, said Schaefer.
To view the request for proposals, visit eiera.mo.gov/request-for-proposals.
To learn more about the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey, visit dnr.mo.gov/about-us/missouri-geological-survey.
The Missouri General Assembly established the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority in 1972 under Missouri Revised Statutes, section 260.010, RSMo. EIERA is a quasi-governmental environmental finance agency administratively assigned to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Contact Information
Communications Office
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102
United States
Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 communications@dnr.mo.gov
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