Berkeley Lab Secures ARPA‑E Funding For Muon Imaging Tech

Berkeley Lab announced today that it has secured a grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA‑E) along with Ideon Technologies to advance a novel muon imaging system designed for use in mining operations ¹.

The project aims to create portable detectors capable of mapping subsurface structures with unprecedented speed and resolution, potentially accelerating the identification of economically viable mineral deposits.

By leveraging naturally occurring high-energy particles, the new sensors can penetrate rock formations without extensive drilling or seismic surveys, offering a less invasive alternative to conventional geophysical methods.

While specific budget figures were not disclosed, the partnership signals confidence from both government and industry stakeholders in the promise of muon-based exploration tools.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend toward integrating advanced particle physics with practical resource extraction workflows and aligns with broader industry goals to secure supply chains while minimizing environmental footprints associated with exploratory drilling.

In addition to its technical objectives, the program aims to reduce time-to-market for critical minerals—those essential for emerging technologies such as batteries, electronics, and green energy systems. Current exploration timelines often span several months to years due to complex geology and limited data penetration; muon imaging could cut that window dramatically by providing clearer images of ore bodies at depth.

The project also reflects ARPA‑E’s strategic push to fund research that can transform how resources are discovered and evaluated by bridging fundamental science and commercial application.