Header image: Aerial view of the new Silicon Ridge mine in Utah County. Credit: Ionic Mineral Technologies
In the world of modern technology, from smartphones to electric vehicles, the journey of critical minerals from extraction to production is a tale not commonly told. Yet, these minerals are pivotal to the technological advancements we rely on daily. The dominance of a single global player in this supply chain has raised concerns among U.S. policymakers, emphasizing the need for the nation to enhance its capabilities in this vital sector.
The University of Utah’s College of Mines and Earth Sciences (CMES) is at the forefront of this initiative, collaborating with partners globally to expedite the journey of critical minerals from discovery to manufacturing. This article highlights several key players at the College of Science who are contributing to the development and production of these essential resources.
Discovering Hidden Resources: The Role of Geologists
The process begins with locating these valuable minerals, a task undertaken by geologists like Lauren Birgenheier from the Department of Geology & Geophysics. “We are trying to quantify the amount of critical minerals in the rock and which minerals are present,” Birgenheier explains. Recent efforts have laid a foundational understanding of the critical mineral potential in the Rocky Mountain region, underscoring the importance of such research.
Mining Engineering: The Art of Extraction
Once discovered, the extraction of these minerals is managed by mining engineers. According to Pratt Rogers from the Department of Mining Engineering, the challenge lies in developing efficient and sustainable extraction methods. Colleague Jessica Wempen uses cutting-edge technology like hyperspectral imaging to ensure the stability of mining operations. Meanwhile, Rajive Ganguli applies systems engineering and AI to optimize mining processes.
Purifying Minerals: Metallurgical Engineering
Turning mined ore into pure metal is the domain of metallurgical engineers. Mike Free from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is pioneering methods that are environmentally friendly, such as magnetic separation processes that omit the use of additional chemicals. Collaborators like Prashant Sarswat and Xinbo Yang focus on innovative methods for separating and purifying critical materials to bolster the U.S. supply chain.
National Security and Economic Independence
The strategic importance of a domestic supply chain for critical minerals cannot be overstated. “Right now, foreign countries are supplying 80 to 100% of many critical metals, which puts us in a vulnerable supply chain position,” notes Free. Collaborative efforts across institutions, supported by funding from the DOE, are driving initiatives to secure this supply chain and reduce dependence on external sources.
In Utah, legislative measures aim to capture a more significant share of the domestic demand for critical minerals. The establishment of the Minerals for Industrial, National, and Economic Security (MINES) center underscores the state’s commitment to this goal.
Beyond CMES, departments like Chemistry are also contributing to advancements in separation techniques and recycling, as highlighted by the research of department chair Aurora Clark (read more here).
A new institute, The Institute for Critical and Strategic Minerals, approved in 2026 and led by Mike Free, focuses on shaping the future of critical minerals (learn more here).
Originally published on the College of Science.
Original Story at attheu.utah.edu