![\"\"](\"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Guang_Xu.jpg\")
\u201cWe will also focus on environmental justice and promoting this concept,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One facet of the project: exploring acid mist suppressants for the copper electrowinning industry that are more environmentally friendly than the environmentally harmful \u201cforever chemical,\u201d the fluorochemical reagent FC-1100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Work on the project will be conducted over the next two years. It will include the development of case studies, two workshops to be held at national conferences for mining and chemical manufacturing attendees, and a teaching module focused on environmental justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Xu said the work is especially crucial considering the current electric vehicle push in the U.S., as it will require significant amounts of copper for batteries, wiring, motors and charging stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople would like to purchase electric vehicles to help with the environment,\u201d Xu said. \u201cHowever, this requires additional copper mining, which can then cause different environmental issues. We are looking to mitigate these issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The co-principal investigator for the project is Michael Moats, chair of S&T\u2019s materials science department. The EPA funded this grant as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n