Evolve Central Appalachia

Project Description:
The Evolve Central Appalachia (Evolve CAPP) project is developing & implementing strategies that enable the region to realize its full economic potential for producing rare earth elements (REE), critical minerals (CM), & high-value, nonfuel, carbon-based products. Strategies will be presented to spur economic growth, close supply chain gaps, promote investment in the region, and address workforce education and training opportunities.

Project Objectives:
1. Determine the quantity & distribution of resources in the region
2. Formulate strategies to utilize coal waste streams to produce useful fuels & materials
3. Evaluate regional infrastructure & identify industries that may benefit from REE & CM production
4. Develop strategies to encourage business development
5. Guide research & development of new technologies
6. Frame plans to establish technology innovation centers
7. Implement stakeholder outreach & education initiatives

Project Benefits:

Acceleration of technologies to recover & utilize resources in an environmentally & socially responsible manner
Potential reduction in U.S. dependence on foreign sources of REE & CM by utilizing the region’s vast natural resources & skills to extract additional resources from coal & associated byproducts
Development of additional revenue streams through the production of new carbon-based products

Evolve Central Appalachia (Evolve CAPP) Public-Private Coalition

Upcoming Events

October 5, 2023 - MCPA PE Seminar
October 11, 2023 - Presentation at the FL-SME Regional Mining Conference in Plant City, FL (TBD)

Past Events

September 11, 2023 - Presentation to the VEDP Rural Virginia Action Committee in Richmond, VA
August 4, 2023 - Stakeholder Outreach Meeting at the West Virginia Training and Conference Center in Julian, WV
June 27-28, 2023 - CORE-CM Workshop in Denver, CO
May 26, 2023 - National Defense University in Washington DC
May 20-23, 2023 - Booth at Metallurgical Coal Producers Association (MCPA) Conference in Roanoke, WV
May 18, 2023 - Presentation to the VCCER Advisory Board
April 14, 2023 - Central Appalachian SME Section Spring Meeting in Julian, WV
April 1, 2023 - Booth at Virginia Tech Kids' Tech University Program
March 22, 2023 - Presentation at the Virginia Tech Critical Minerals Workshop in Blacksburg, VA
March 1, 2023 - Presentation at the 2023 SME Annual Conference in Denver, CO
December 2, 2022 - Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting in Lexington, KY
October 25, 2022 - Presentation at the 2022 Resource Sustainability Project Review Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA
October 12, 2022 - Presentation at the FL-SME Regional Mining Conference in Plant City, FL
June 8, 2022 - Presentation to the VCCER Advisory Board
April 26, 2022 - Technical Session on the Evolve CAPP Project, Central Appalachian Section of SME Spring Meeting in Lexington, KY
March 16, 2022 - Open Session in Abingdon, VA
March 16, 2022 - Presentation at the Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting in Abingdon, VA
March 8, 2022 - Presentation at the Southern States Energy Board CORE-CM Webinar
December 2, 2021 - Presentation at the USEA CORE-CM PI / Leaders Open Webinar
November 29, 2021 - Presentation at the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association Annual Meeting
October 29, 2021 - Presentation at NETL Kick-off Meeting
October 26, 2021 - Presentation to the VCCER Advisory Board