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 byproduct
Development of additional revenue streams through the production of new carbon-based products

Upcoming Events

March 1, 2023 - Evolve CAPP presentation by Richard Bishop at the 2023 SME Annual Conference, Denver, CO

Past Events

December 2, 2022 - Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting, Lexington, KY
October 25, 2022 - Evolve CAPP presentation by Richard Bishop at the 2022 Resource Sustainability Project Review Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA
October 12, 2022 - Evolve CAPP presentation by Richard Bishop at the FL-SME Regional Mining Conference, Plant City, FL
April 26, 2022 - Technical Session on the Evolve CAPP Project, Central Appalachian Section of SME, Lexington, KY
March 16, 2022 - Open Session, Abingdon, VA
March 16, 2022 - Presentation at the Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting, 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