Unraveling the Threads of Environmental Justice in Critical Mineral Extraction: A Framework for Regionalized Life Cycle Data
Date: 12/13/2024 | Contact: Luciane Cunha
Read More
As we transition to a more sustainable energy system, the extraction and processing of critical minerals becomes increasingly important. However, these industries often raise concerns about environmental and social impacts, particularly in disadvantaged communities. To address these concerns, our research focuses on regionalizing environmental life cycle data to connect it with communities affected by mineral extraction. A framework was developed for collecting life cycle background data that supports the Justice40 Toolset, a market-based approach to evaluating net benefits and costs of critical mineral material recovery pathways. A goal was to alleviate public skepticism around mineral extraction processes, including secondary and unconventional feedstocks, by highlighting both environmental and social impacts. To achieve this, computational analysis and geospatial data science techniques were employed, such as within-scale and across-scale methods and proxy dataset usage. By doing so, we were able to develop a framework for identifying and disaggregating data down to regions small enough to support Justice40 goals. Our approach not only provides valuable tools fo insight into the environmental implications of mineral extraction but also helps policymakers evaluate the social impacts on local communities. This research contributes to a more just and equitable transition to a sustainable energy system, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard in decision-making process.
Full Details
Application of Ion Sieve Sorbent Prepared from Mineral Stream Associated with Critical Minerals in Direct Lithium Extraction
Date: 12/03/2024 | Contact: Brian R. Strazisar
Read More
In this presentation, the speaker discusses the research that has been carried out at NETL regarding direct lithium extraction. The three main discussing points are as follows: developing high-capacity lithium-ion sieve sorbent using mineral streams associated with critical minerals; demonstrating the sorbent ability to recover lithium from oil/gas produced waters and geothermal brines; and assessing the feasibility of large-scale implementation through technoeconomic analysis.
Full Details
Rock Characterization for Subsurface Energy Applications
Date: 12/02/2024 | Contact: Dustin Crandall
Read More
An overview of the Fossil Energy and Carbon Management mission for carbon management was given, along with information on the role the Research and Innovation Center plays in understanding aspect of research needed to accelerate geologic carbon storage nationwide.
Full Details