Keynote Plenary Talks

Filtration and membranes are used for the separation of critical materials and rare-earth elements (REEs). As part of the mining operation and waste recovery, it is essential to advance methods and materials to increase throughput and efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken on the mission of bringing new technologies together with discovery science to augment the minerals and extraction industry. AI/ML has transformed the way we optimize processes and conduct high-throughput science, alongside self-driving laboratories (SDLs) and data analytics. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been involved in membrane development and testing for many industries, including leadership with the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI).  This talk will highlight advanced materials and manufacturing, with new experimental methods and applications that use AI/ML-driven SDLs for critical minerals and REE recovery. Liquid-phase separations and pervaporation (liquid-to-gas) are essential, as are new polymer resins. The talk will describe efforts in high-performance polymer membranes and engineered nano-scale materials targeting higher recovery in unconventional sources (waste, mine drainage, tailings). We will also describe funding and collaborative opportunities with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Together with the Genesis Mission and the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI), the goal is to enhance domestic supply chains and commercial viability efforts, thereby reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources, strengthening national security, and promoting American energy independence.