Backed by $28.5 million in federal funding, Missouri S&T's Tech Hub is positioned to transform the U.S. critical minerals supply chain.

From pioneering innovative techniques for recovering rare metals from mining waste to shaping the next generation of battery materials and sustainable mining practices, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is solidifying its reputation as a national leader in critical minerals research with the recent announcement of $28.5 million in federal funding to establish a world-class Tech Hub meant to develop and refine methods for processing minerals vital to advanced energy systems.

Building on its long-standing expertise in mining and engineering, Missouri S&T has recently gained recognition for tackling complex problems in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.

Whether refining processes to recover rare metals from industrial waste or partnering with global leaders like Rio Tinto to secure domestic supplies of vital materials, the university has consistently demonstrated its capacity to drive progress.

Supported by the Kummer Institute, Missouri S&T is also creating the infrastructure and expertise needed to strengthen America's resource independence and technological future.

In October 2023, Missouri S&T was selected as one of the nation's 31 Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs out of nearly 400 applicants with a successful proposal that brought together partners from industry, government, economic development groups, planning commissions, and higher education institutions.

Building on this recognition, Missouri S&T is turning its designation into action with a $28.5 million federal investment in a world-class, 18,000-square-foot test-bed facility.

"This is a proud and defining moment for our region, the state of Missouri and the nation," said Missouri S&T Chancellor Mo Dehghani. "Through the relentless dedication and collaboration of countless stakeholders, the Economic Development Administration has acknowledged Missouri S&T's leadership in critical minerals research and the transformative promise of this Tech Hub. Together, we are revitalizing the economies of 14 counties while bolstering the critical minerals supply chain for Missouri and the United States, paving the way for innovation and progress."

Supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the CHIPS and Science Act, the cutting-edge Tech Hub will focus on developing and refining methods for extracting and processing critical minerals used in advanced energy systems, addressing supply chain challenges and cementing Missouri S&T's leadership in the critical minerals sector.

"We are grateful to the EDA for selecting Missouri S&T for this award, as it has huge economic development implications for our region and could ultimately lead to significant changes for the critical minerals supply chain for the entire nation," said Kwame Awuah-Offei, executive director and regional innovation officer of the S&T-led Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy (CM2AE) Tech Hub.

Set to be constructed on Missouri S&T's campus in Rolla, the test-bed facility will feature pilot-scale equipment for hydrometallurgical processing and analysis, enabling researchers to develop adaptable methods for refining critical minerals.

This space will support advanced research, allow simulations of future industrial configurations, and play a vital role in workforce development, equipping engineers and scientists to sustain and strengthen the U.S. critical minerals supply chain.

"The term 'world-class' can sometimes be overused, but it is entirely appropriate for this facility, which will be the first of its kind," said Michael Moats, who will serve as the test-bed project lead and currently as a professor and chair of materials science and engineering at S&T. "Designed to unlock natural and recycled resources, it will enable rapid testing of potential technologies through adaptable equipment configurations and simulations of future facilities."

Missouri University of Science and Technology

In addition to its Tech Hub, Missouri S&T is constructing a 116,000-square-foot Missouri Protoplex, which will include labs and shops to facilitate research and innovation from university labs to marketplace.

According to Moats, the facility will take about two years to construct and will house equipment tailored to different aspects of hydrometallurgical processing.

"Researchers and consortium members will focus on various primary and secondary sources, including materials from mines, slag heaps, and black mass from battery recycling," he added.

Within 10 years, the work spearheaded by the Tech Hub is expected to significantly impact the nation's capacity for critical minerals mining, refining, and recycling. Co-lead Lana Alagha, whose research with Rio Tinto has already advanced techniques for recovering gallium and germanium from copper waste streams, envisions the test bed accelerating breakthroughs in refining processes and advancing U.S. resource independence.