Nevada initiative combines American manufacturing, laboratory-proven technology, bipartisan support, and planned workforce education to build domestic critical minerals recovery capacity.
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- S.A.F.E.StructureDesigns LLC (SAFE), a Nevada-based defense engineering and manufacturing company led by President and CEO Johnny Buscema, is advancing a domestic gallium recovery pilot following tasking from the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The initiative aims to transition laboratory-proven processing technology into a practical field capability that supports America's critical minerals supply chain.
Working with a specialized research and development partner, SAFE Structure Designs is bringing together manufacturing and systems integration to advance modular critical minerals recovery equipment. The pilot is intended to demonstrate gallium recovery from domestic feedstocks, including gold-mine tailings, and establish a foundation for future deployment and production.
The effort connects domestic resource recovery with American equipment manufacturing. Its objective is to help build a repeatable capability for processing existing materials within the United States while developing the technical workforce needed to support future operations. For more info on SAFE's Critical Minerals initiative and to see the technology visit S.A.F.E. Critical Minerals.Â
Nevada Leadership and Bipartisan Support
The critical minerals initiative has received support from Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), supporting letters from Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony and Nevada State Senator Carrie Buck, and support from
U.S. Representative Dina Titus.
This support brings Republican and Democratic leaders together around a shared goal: strengthening domestic critical minerals processing, expanding American manufacturing opportunities, and advancing Nevada's role in the nation's strategic supply chain.
Defense Logistics Agency Interest in Gallium Recovery
The Defense Logistics Agency's research and development office provided a letter of support for the project, expressing interest in following the technology's development, particularly its application to gallium recovery.
SAFE's manufacturing and integration work focuses on translating the processing technology into equipment suitable for field demonstration. The pilot will provide a basis for evaluating
field performance and informing future manufacturing and deployment decisions.
Building Nevada's Critical Minerals Workforce
SAFE also received a supporting letter from Byron Brooks, a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.
The initiative includes a planned college education and workforce development component. SAFE intends to engage colleges and higher education institutions to help develop technical training, applied learning opportunities, and career pathways in critical minerals recovery, processing, and advanced manufacturing.
The goal is to connect technology development with practical education, helping prepare students and future workers to manufacture, operate, and maintain domestic recovery systems.
American Manufacturing Guided by Faith and Service
"We give God the glory for the doors He has opened and the people He has brought together for this initiative," said Johnny Buscema, President and CEO of SAFE Structure Designs. "This effort brings together American manufacturing, advanced research, and a shared commitment to strengthening our country. Our faith in Jesus Christ guides how we work and serve, and we are grateful for the support of Nevada's leaders across party lines and the government teams helping advance this mission. Our prayer is that this work will strengthen America's critical minerals supply chain while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation to learn, build, and serve."
Through this Nevada-based gallium recovery initiative, SAFE Structure Designs is expanding its mission-focused engineering and manufacturing work into domestic critical minerals processing. The effort combines field demonstration, modular equipment development, and planned workforce education to support a stronger American supply chain.
S.A.F.E. Structure Designs LLC is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based company providing custom design, engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration solutions for military and government applications. Led by President and CEO Johnny Buscema, SAFE supports mission-critical programs across aviation, maritime, defense, infrastructure, and critical minerals initiatives. SAFE is guided by faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to serving its customers with integrity and excellence.
Built for the journey and driven by faith.
SAFE Structure Designs | U.S. Army Corps Gallium Recovery Pilot
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