Critical Minerals

The critical minerals area prioritizes select metals and associated commodities where global demand continues to rise due to fast-paced technological advancements that are indispensable to adequately address the needs of growing populations and urbanization with additional environmental pressures. The research in critical minerals aims at the development of cleaner and more efficient production methods in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy by integrating a series of innovative strategies, including microwaving as an alternate form of energy and machine learning. Researchers also focus on the mine-to-mill and process-to-environment interfaces with recycling opportunities at all levels. Sustainability is emphasized through process optimization, cost-efficiency and eco-efficiency to produce a healthy environment to secure natural resources, and quality of land and water resources for society.