New WVU initiative aims to advance rare earth extraction technology
May 31, 2026
A new initiative and startup that aims to play a role in increasing the supply of critical rare earth minerals to support infrastructure in the United States has been officially launched at West Virginia University.
WVU Vice Provost Mark Gavin announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Friday that the university has established the Rare Earth Elements Initiative as part of an effort to expand on research focused on extracting rare earths and critical minerals from unconventional sources such as acid mine drainage, electronic waste, and industrial byproducts.