Illinois Basin (IB) Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative

Kentucky part of the Carbon Ore, Rare Earth and Critical Minerals (CORE- CM) Resource Assessment of the Illinois Basin Stephen F. Greb (PI) Abstract The Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, will partner with the Illinois Geological Survey and other academic, industry, and government partners to evaluate the potential for Rare Earth Elements (REE), Critical Minerals (CM) and novel high-value, nonfuel, Carbon-Based Products (CBP), from Illinois Basin coals and coal-based resources and byproducts. The proposed research is part of a U.S. Department of Energy project to determine the potential resources of REE, CM and CBP from coal in coal-producing basins. The Illinois Basin, containing the Illinois, Indiana, and Western Kentucky Coal Fields, is one of the largest coal-producing regions in the United States. The basin has a long history of mining, and large remaining coal resources. Finding domestic sources of REE, CM, and CBP in the Illinois Basin could help enable the U.S. to reduce its dependence on REE and CM imports from other countries. KGS has actively been involved in coal geochemistry and byproduct research with the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research, and REE from coal research with the University’s Department of Mining Engineering, for years. For this project, KGS will work with partners on parts of Subtasks 2 and 3 to assemble and evaluate available geological data relating to potential CORE-CM from (1) in-ground coal resources, and (2) from reuse of coal waste streams. KGS will work with project partners to develop resource models to aid in prediction of potential areas of REE and CM resources from coals and waste streams in the basin. KGS will also work with partners to identify data gaps in resources, methods, and analyses, which might help to guide future REE, CM, and CBP research in the basin.