CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has launched the Critical Minerals Research and Development Center, an initiative led by the Illinois State Geological Survey to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical minerals vital to technology and national energy and environmental goals. The center aims to drive research, education, and cross-sector collaboration to support a sustainable, secure supply of these essential resources.

As demand grows for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements in response to the global shift to renewable energy and electric vehicles, the Critical Minerals Research and Development Center will focus on resource development, environmentally sound extraction and processing, and promoting responsible sourcing.

"The United States relies heavily on imported critical minerals for our modern lifestyle, national security, and clean energy technologies," said Jared Freiburg, director of the center. "This dependence is both environmentally and geopolitically unsustainable, putting our country at risk of significant supply chain disruption. Illinois is positioned to emerge as a source of domestically produced critical minerals. By partnering with industry, government agencies, and academia, we aim to strengthen our domestic supply chains and promote sustainable practices."

The center will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, uniting experts in geology, engineering, materials science, and environmental science. It also seeks to foster partnerships with industry to support technology transfer and commercialization of new materials and processes.

"We recognize that transitioning to sustainable energy hinges on securing critical mineral resources," said Charles Bopp, associate director of the center. "The Critical Minerals Research and Development Center is poised to lead in understanding and advancing Illinois’ critical mineral potential—securing supply chains, revitalizing communities, and building tomorrow’s economy in Illinois."

For more information about the Critical Minerals Research and Development Center, its projects, or partnership opportunities, visit https://critical-minerals.prairie.illinois.edu or contact Charles Bopp at cbopp2@illinois.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tiffany Jolley
Assistant Director for Strategic Communications
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
tjolley2@illinois.edu
217-300-2356