Evolve Central Appalachia: Carbon Ore, Rare Earth and Critical Minerals (Core-CM) Initiative for the Central Appalachia Basin (Evolve CAPP)

Abstract The team will participate as a research partner in the Evolve Central Appalachia proposal submitted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s (Virginia Tech) in response to U.S. DOE Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0002364. The proposed period of performance for this effort is 7/1/2021 through 6/30/2023. The team will be involved in three project tasks as follows: Task Task Name Description of work to be performed Num Phase 1 Technology Assess technology gaps with respect to innovative and Assessment, Development sustainable mining techniques for coal and other and Field Testing basinal minerals for the Central App basin. Both conventional and innovative products will be considered. The subrecipient will help formulate strategies in Phase 1 to develop technologies to fill the identified technology gaps. Technologies will be assessed that address various 5 segments of supply chains, from upstream exploration and characterization, to innovative conventional and unconventional mining, utilizing regional resources (coal, coal by-products and waste streams and/or alternate non-coal materials). New technology may be identified that potentially results in reduced overall operating costs within a basin. This may include unconventional mining practices such as horizontal drilling. Phase 1 Technology The subrecipient will help formulate plans for Innovation Centers technology innovation centers that will be developed and operated by basin-specific public- 6 private partnerships. If implemented in subsequent phases, the technology innovation centers will provide a centralized and consistent platform to develop and validate new technologies at laboratory-scale, including technologies that utilize advanced manufacturing techniques. The recipient will begin to address and propose, if applicable, the establishment, focus, organizational involvement and potential management of technology innovation centers within their basin. The subrecipient will focus on the following tasks related to the technology innovation centers: a) to accelerate engagement of public-private partnerships and basinal industries to advance new and innovative technology development as well as the potential for new product production and b) to advance opportunities for the education and training of the next generation of technicians, skilled workers and STEM professionals. Phase 1 Stakeholder The subrecipient will help formulate and implement Outreach and Education plans for stakeholder outreach and education that are necessary to support CORE-CM economic 7 development activities. Initial Stakeholder Outreach and Education Plans will include a) workforce training and education, b) open workshops to disseminate information to stakeholder industries c) open workshops that address technology transfer between basinal business and industries and d) engagement with federal, state and other governments and groups to provide information on technology development.