North Dakota Lignite Rare Earth Element (REE) Exploration and Extraction Review

Presenter

Mr. Nolan Theaker
Technical Group Manager
University of North Dakota
Institute for Energy Studies

Description

Given the rising concern on securing supply lines and supply risks associated with defense and energy-critical materials, lignite has been identified as a material of particular interest for economic extraction and recovery of the rare earth elements and other critical minerals. This discussion will involve a technical review of the critical minerals contained and extractible within the North Dakota lignite reserves, and the potential economic and environmental benefits of critical mineral extraction from lignite as compared with conventional ore-based reserves.