{"id":6140,"date":"2023-10-26T16:04:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T16:04:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/?p=6140"},"modified":"2023-10-26T16:04:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T16:04:16","slug":"critical-minerals-expertise-makes-missouri-st-a-top-tech-hub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/26\/critical-minerals-expertise-makes-missouri-st-a-top-tech-hub\/","title":{"rendered":"Critical Minerals Expertise Makes Missouri S&T a Top Tech Hub"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Missouri University of Science and Technology\u2019s expertise in critical minerals and materials research has led to its selection as one of 31 Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs) funded through the CHIPS and Science Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 31 hubs were announced Oct. 23. The Tech Hub Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA), focuses on supporting innovation and job creation in key technology areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missouri S&T\u2019s initiative is called the Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy (CM2AE) Tech Hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of Missouri S&T for leading the way in critical minerals research,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, whose 8th Congressional District includes Rolla and the Tech Hub region. \u201cSouth-central and southeast Missouri are hotbeds for critical minerals, so it\u2019s only fitting to place a hub for research on how to improve critical mineral mining in this region. I\u2019ll continue supporting the university\u2019s important work to strengthen our domestic supply chains, create jobs at home, and solve our nation\u2019s critical minerals challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson added that S&T\u2019s selection as a hub is a testament to the university\u2019s leadership related to critical minerals research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMissouri is a national leader in manufacturing with rich reserves in critical minerals, and we\u2019re proud that Missouri S&T continues to be at the forefront in preparing our state for the demands of tomorrow,\u201d Parson said. \u201cWe appreciate the University of Missouri\u2019s leadership in supporting battery technology and innovative job opportunities for Missourians across the state. Whatever we need, we know Missourians can make it, and this Tech Hub will help strengthen our supply chains and lessen our reliance on foreign nations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Kwame Awuah-Offei, principal investigator of the S&T hub and chair of mining and explosives engineering, said this initiative will provide an economic boost to the region, while also working to solve important issues related to energy manufacturing and critical minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur work will build on the region\u2019s mineral-rich geography, expertise in hydrometallurgical processing and existing assets,\u201d he said. \u201cWe will increase processing capacity to convert minerals into materials necessary for advanced energy and critical goods, including lithium-ion and primary-lead-acid batteries. This will make a significant difference for America\u2019s energy manufacturers and reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals, while also creating thousands of good-paying jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 400 applications were submitted for potential Tech Hubs. Since S&T was selected as one of the top applicants, the university now qualifies for Phase 2 of the program, with applications due by late February of next year. For this phase, EDA will award 5 to 10 grants, with each recipient receiving $40 million to $70 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Missouri S&T Chancellor Mo Dehghani says the Tech Hub includes multiple partners throughout the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe greatly appreciate the support of members of our congressional delegation, Gov. Mike Parson, and our partners in industry and government, including the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Association of Councils of Governments, and community leaders in the 14 counties that comprise our Tech Hub district,\u201d he said. \u201cAddressing our nation\u2019s critical minerals challenges requires a broad effort, and I\u2019m grateful to the many organizations and individuals who recognize the importance of this effort supporting our national supply chain security.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

S&T was also awarded a $500,000 Strategy Development Grant, which will be used for local planning and coordination to further develop regional economic development strategies. The 14 Missouri counties included in S&T\u2019s Tech Hub region include Carter, Crawford, Dent, Howell, Iron, Madison, Oregon, Phelps, Reynolds, Shannon, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Texas and Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, S&T hosted the third annual Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals national workshop through support from the National Science Foundation. The workshop brought together leaders from academia, government and the private sector to discuss the potential of mining critical minerals in the U.S., mineral processing and recycling, critical mineral policies, and sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three of the workshop\u2019s co-organizers are working with Awuah-Offei as co-principal investigators for the Tech Hub. Those co-PIs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n