ReElement Technologies serves as an industry partner in the Critical Minerals Crossroads consortium, led by University of Missouri-Kansas City FISHERS, IN / ACCESS Newswire / July 15, 2026 / American Resources

<p><i><strong>ReElement Technologies serves as an industry partner in the Critical Minerals Crossroads consortium, led by University of Missouri-Kansas City</strong></i></p> <p><strong id="dateline">FISHERS, IN / <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/'>ACCESS Newswire</a> / July 15, 2026 / </strong>American Resources Corporation <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrh">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AREC">AREC</a>)</a> ("American Resources") through its minority holding in ReElement Technologies Corporation ("ReElement"), a leading U.S. innovator in rare earth element (REE) and critical mineral refining, today announced that the National Science Foundation has selected the Critical Materials Crossroads consortium as one of its Regional Innovation Engines, making the consortium eligible for up to $160 million in funding over ten years. The consortium is led by the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqri">University of Missouri-Kansas City</a> ("UMKC") and includes ReElement Technologies among its industry collaborators.</p><p>ReElement will contribute its proprietary refining and separation expertise, commercial-scale production capabilities and industry relationships to support research, workforce development and commercialization initiatives focused on strengthening domestic and allied critical mineral supply chains.</p><p>"The Critical Materials Crossroads initiative brings together the research, industrial, commercial and government partners needed to strengthen America's domestic critical mineral supply chain," said Kirk Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of ReElement Technologies. "As demonstrated through our collaborations with the Department of Energy, Department of War and numerous commercial partners, meaningful progress requires coordinated public-private investment. We are excited to contribute our refining expertise to help accelerate commercialization and domestic production."</p><p>Participation in the Critical Materials Crossroads Regional Innovation Engine further expands ReElement's collaboration with leading universities, federal agencies and commercial partners as the Company continues to advance its refining-first, demand-aligned platform for domestic rare earth and critical mineral production.</p><p>According to the consortium, within 10 years of operation, the CMC aims to deliver $40 billion in total impact, increase the state's gross domestic product by $17 billion annually, create 10,000 jobs (3,500 direct, 6,500 indirect) and attract more than $2 billion in public-private investment. CMC is building the blueprint to regain national independence over critical mineral supply chains.</p><p>This selection follows a series of recent milestones for ReElement and American Resources, including ReElement's $25 million Industrial Base Fund investment from the U.S. Department of War and American Resources' recent selection by the U.S. Department of Energy for award negotiations supporting domestic critical mineral recovery. Together, these initiatives continue to expand the Company's role across the domestic critical mineral ecosystem - from research and commercialization to production and deployment.</p><p><strong><u>About Critical Mineral Crossroads</u></strong><br/>Critical Materials Crossroads is a regional innovation consortium led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City in partnership with universities, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations across Kansas and Missouri. The consortium is focused on creating a vertically integrated critical materials ecosystem-spanning research, processing, refining, applied technology development, and workforce training. As one of 15 finalists for the National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines competition, Critical Materials Crossroads aims to boost domestic capacity, economic growth, and national security by helping the U.S. onshore critical mineral and rare earth value chains.</p><p><strong><u>About NSF Regional Innovation Engines</u></strong><br/>Launched by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrj">NSF TIP</a>, the NSF Engines program is building and scaling regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology R&D that drives growth and ultimately bolsters U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.  </p><p><strong><u>About ReElement Technologies Corporation</u></strong><br/>ReElement Technologies Corporation, a portfolio holding of American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AREC">AREC</a>), is a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements. Its multi-mineral, multi-feedstock platform technology focuses on the refining of recycled material from rare earth permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries, concentrated ores and brines, as well as coal-based waste streams and byproducts to create a cost effective and environmentally-safe, circular supply chain. ReElement has developed its innovative and scalable <i>"Powered by ReElement"</i> process which collaboratively utilizes its exclusively licensed intellectual property within its partners' material processing flow sheets to more efficiently support the global supply chain's growing demand for magnet and battery-grade products. For more information visit <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrk">reelementtech.com</a> or connect with the Company on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrl">Facebook</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrm">Twitter</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrn">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><strong><u>About American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AREC">AREC</a>)</u></strong><br/>American Resources Corporation is a leader in the critical mineral supply chain, developing innovative solutions both upstream and downstream of the refining process. The company and its affiliates focus on the extraction and processing of metallurgical carbon and iron ore, essential ingredients in steelmaking, as well as critical and rare earth minerals for the electrification market and recycled metals.</p><p>Leveraging its affiliation and former parent status of ReElement Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements, American Resources is investing in and developing efficient upstream and downstream critical mineral operations. These operations include mining interests in conventional and unconventional sources, recycling, and manufacturing.</p><p>American Resources has established a nimble, low-cost business model centered on growth, which provides a significant opportunity to scale its portfolio of assets to meet the growing global infrastructure and electrification markets while also continuing to acquire operations and significantly reduce their legacy industry risks. Its streamlined and efficient operations are able to maximize margins while reducing costs. For more information visit <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqro">americanresourcescorp.com</a> or connect with the Company on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrp">Facebook</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrq">Twitter</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrr">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><u>Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</u><br/>This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond American Resources Corporation's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.</p><p><u>Company Contact:</u><br/>Mark LaVerghetta<br/>317-855-9926 ext. 0<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:investor@americanresourcescorp.com">investor@americanresourcescorp.com</a></p><p><strong>SOURCE:</strong> American Resources Corporation</p><br/><br/>View the original <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/u.s-national-science-foundation-selects-critical-materials-crossroads-engine-for-1191212'>press release</a> on ACCESS Newswire<br/><br/>
      <img src="https://app.accessnewswire.com/img.ashx?id=1191212" width="0" height="0"/>

AREC

U.S National Science Foundation Selects Critical Materials Crossroads Engine for up to $160 Million; ReElement Technologies Named Industry Partner

NSF Engine Funding Boosts AREC-Linked ReElement in Critical Minerals Initiative

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>ReElement Technologies serves as an industry partner in the Critical Minerals Crossroads consortium, led by University of Missouri-Kansas City FISHERS, IN / ACCESS Newswire / July 15, 2026 / American Resources</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>The National Science Foundation named the Critical Materials Crossroads as a Regional Innovation Engine, unlocking up to $160 million over ten years and placing ReElement Technologies as a collaborator. This expands AREC&#039;s strategic exposure to domestic critical minerals through its minority stake in ReElement, complementing range of DOE funding pursuits. The initiatives could drive long-term growth and risk diversification, with near-term catalysts dependent on funding progress and partnerships.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>NSF selects Critical Materials Crossroads for up to $160M funding over 10 years.</li><li>ReElement participates as a partner, expanding AREC&#039;s exposure in critical minerals.</li><li>CMC aims to deliver $40B impact and 10K jobs over a decade.</li><li>AREC notes milestone: DOE award negotiations for domestic critical mineral recovery.</li><li>ReElement receives $25M Industrial Base Fund investment from the Department of War.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>American Resources Corporation (AREC)</strong>: Portfolio holder; exposure to ReElement and domestic critical mineral initiatives.</li><li><strong>ReElement Technologies Corporation (RELEMENT)</strong>: Minority-owned by AREC; refining capacity for rare earths; central to Crossroads collaboration.</li><li><strong>University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)</strong>: Lead university; consortium leadership enabling NSF Engine framework.</li><li><strong>National Science Foundation (NSF)</strong>: Funding agency naming Critical Materials Crossroads as Engine finalist; potential funding delivery.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News highlighting policy-driven ecosystem partnerships in critical minerals; fits AREC due to its ReElement stake and integration into the domestic supply chain strategy.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>NSF engine funding could catalyze near-term re-rating of AREC-related assets.</li><li>DOE award negotiations for domestic mineral recovery may unlock incremental upside.</li><li>ReElement collaboration expands AREC&#039;s exposure to critical minerals ecosystem.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>NSF selected Critical Materials Crossroads for up to $160M over 10 years.</li><li>CMC targets 10,000 jobs and a $40B impact within a decade.</li><li>Estimated $17B annual GDP uplift from CMC.</li><li>ReElement received $25M Industrial Base Fund investment from the U.S. Department of War.</li><li>AREC remains a portfolio holder with a minority stake in ReElement.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Long AREC on potential 6–12 month upside from ReElement collaboration and NSF funding.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p><i><strong>ReElement Technologies serves as an industry partner in the Critical Minerals Crossroads consortium, led by University of Missouri-Kansas City</strong></i></p> <p><strong id="dateline">FISHERS, IN / <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/'>ACCESS Newswire</a> / July 15, 2026 / </strong>American Resources Corporation <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrh">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AREC">AREC</a>)</a> ("American Resources") through its minority holding in ReElement Technologies Corporation ("ReElement"), a leading U.S. innovator in rare earth element (REE) and critical mineral refining, today announced that the National Science Foundation has selected the Critical Materials Crossroads consortium as one of its Regional Innovation Engines, making the consortium eligible for up to $160 million in funding over ten years. The consortium is led by the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqri">University of Missouri-Kansas City</a> ("UMKC") and includes ReElement Technologies among its industry collaborators.</p><p>ReElement will contribute its proprietary refining and separation expertise, commercial-scale production capabilities and industry relationships to support research, workforce development and commercialization initiatives focused on strengthening domestic and allied critical mineral supply chains.</p><p>"The Critical Materials Crossroads initiative brings together the research, industrial, commercial and government partners needed to strengthen America's domestic critical mineral supply chain," said Kirk Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of ReElement Technologies. "As demonstrated through our collaborations with the Department of Energy, Department of War and numerous commercial partners, meaningful progress requires coordinated public-private investment. We are excited to contribute our refining expertise to help accelerate commercialization and domestic production."</p><p>Participation in the Critical Materials Crossroads Regional Innovation Engine further expands ReElement's collaboration with leading universities, federal agencies and commercial partners as the Company continues to advance its refining-first, demand-aligned platform for domestic rare earth and critical mineral production.</p><p>According to the consortium, within 10 years of operation, the CMC aims to deliver $40 billion in total impact, increase the state's gross domestic product by $17 billion annually, create 10,000 jobs (3,500 direct, 6,500 indirect) and attract more than $2 billion in public-private investment. CMC is building the blueprint to regain national independence over critical mineral supply chains.</p><p>This selection follows a series of recent milestones for ReElement and American Resources, including ReElement's $25 million Industrial Base Fund investment from the U.S. Department of War and American Resources' recent selection by the U.S. Department of Energy for award negotiations supporting domestic critical mineral recovery. Together, these initiatives continue to expand the Company's role across the domestic critical mineral ecosystem - from research and commercialization to production and deployment.</p><p><strong><u>About Critical Mineral Crossroads</u></strong><br/>Critical Materials Crossroads is a regional innovation consortium led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City in partnership with universities, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations across Kansas and Missouri. The consortium is focused on creating a vertically integrated critical materials ecosystem-spanning research, processing, refining, applied technology development, and workforce training. As one of 15 finalists for the National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines competition, Critical Materials Crossroads aims to boost domestic capacity, economic growth, and national security by helping the U.S. onshore critical mineral and rare earth value chains.</p><p><strong><u>About NSF Regional Innovation Engines</u></strong><br/>Launched by <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrj">NSF TIP</a>, the NSF Engines program is building and scaling regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology R&D that drives growth and ultimately bolsters U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.  </p><p><strong><u>About ReElement Technologies Corporation</u></strong><br/>ReElement Technologies Corporation, a portfolio holding of American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AREC">AREC</a>), is a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements. Its multi-mineral, multi-feedstock platform technology focuses on the refining of recycled material from rare earth permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries, concentrated ores and brines, as well as coal-based waste streams and byproducts to create a cost effective and environmentally-safe, circular supply chain. ReElement has developed its innovative and scalable <i>"Powered by ReElement"</i> process which collaboratively utilizes its exclusively licensed intellectual property within its partners' material processing flow sheets to more efficiently support the global supply chain's growing demand for magnet and battery-grade products. For more information visit <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrk">reelementtech.com</a> or connect with the Company on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrl">Facebook</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrm">Twitter</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrn">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><strong><u>About American Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AREC">AREC</a>)</u></strong><br/>American Resources Corporation is a leader in the critical mineral supply chain, developing innovative solutions both upstream and downstream of the refining process. The company and its affiliates focus on the extraction and processing of metallurgical carbon and iron ore, essential ingredients in steelmaking, as well as critical and rare earth minerals for the electrification market and recycled metals.</p><p>Leveraging its affiliation and former parent status of ReElement Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of high-performance refining capacity for rare earth and critical battery elements, American Resources is investing in and developing efficient upstream and downstream critical mineral operations. These operations include mining interests in conventional and unconventional sources, recycling, and manufacturing.</p><p>American Resources has established a nimble, low-cost business model centered on growth, which provides a significant opportunity to scale its portfolio of assets to meet the growing global infrastructure and electrification markets while also continuing to acquire operations and significantly reduce their legacy industry risks. Its streamlined and efficient operations are able to maximize margins while reducing costs. For more information visit <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqro">americanresourcescorp.com</a> or connect with the Company on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrp">Facebook</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrq">Twitter</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://pr.report/nqrr">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><u>Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</u><br/>This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond American Resources Corporation's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.</p><p><u>Company Contact:</u><br/>Mark LaVerghetta<br/>317-855-9926 ext. 0<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:investor@americanresourcescorp.com">investor@americanresourcescorp.com</a></p><p><strong>SOURCE:</strong> American Resources Corporation</p><br/><br/>View the original <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/u.s-national-science-foundation-selects-critical-materials-crossroads-engine-for-1191212'>press release</a> on ACCESS Newswire<br/><br/>
      <img src="https://app.accessnewswire.com/img.ashx?id=1191212" width="0" height="0"/>

The National Science Foundation named the Critical Materials Crossroads as a Regional Innovation Engine, unlocking up to $160 million over ten years and placing ReElement Technologies as a collaborator. This expands AREC's strategic exposure to domestic critical minerals through its minority stake in ReElement, complementing range of DOE funding pursuits. The initiatives could drive long-term growth and risk diversification, with near-term catalysts dependent on funding progress and partnerships.

U.S National Science Foundation Selects Critical Materials Crossroads Engine for up to $160 Million; ReElement Technologies Named Industry Partner

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