U.S. Academic-Government-Industry Alliance Gathers at Critical Minerals Workshop in Austin

Highlights

• The Jackson School of Geosciences hosts a groundbreaking workshop addressing U.S. critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Diverse experts from academia, industry, and government will strategize on improving domestic mineral extraction, processing, and innovation.
• Event aims to synchronize policy, technology, and educational efforts to enhance U.S. critical mineral capabilities.

The Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin will (opens in a new tab) host the inaugural North American Workshop on Critical Mineral Research, Development, and Education on August 13–14, 2025, at the Thompson Conference Center. This high-level gathering aims to tackle one of America’s most urgent industrial policy challenges: securing domestic and allied access to critical minerals vital for the energy transition.

From lithium to rare earths, critical minerals form the backbone of electric vehicles, semiconductors, defense systems, and clean energy technologies. Yet, the U.S. remains heavily import-dependent, with extraction, processing, and recycling capabilities lagging far behind geopolitical competitors. This workshop brings together a diverse brain trust—from geologists and engineers to biotech entrepreneurs and policy scholars—to map a path forward.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Speakers include Jeffrey L. Mauk (USGS), Jesica Urbina (CEO, Infinite Elements), Simon Jowitt (Nevada Bureau of Mines), and Douglas Wicks (DOE ARPA‑E), among others. Topics range from advanced sorbents for lithium recovery to environmental policy and AI-enabled mineral exploration.
• Industry Engagement is anchored by ElementUSA, an Austin-based criticalmineral startup and workshop sponsor. Company executive Ellis Sullivan will deliver a keynote on U.S. supply chain resilience at the dinner session (invite-only).
• Broad Participation: The event features technical posters, breakout sessions on recycling innovation and supply chain modeling, and panels on education and workforce pipelines. Notably, Leah Turner of the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science will address youth outreach strategies.
• Organizers: The event is spearheaded by UT researchers Marek Locmelis and Jani Das in partnership with the Bureau of Economic Geology and Cockrell School of Engineering.

This workshop is not just academic—it reflects growing U.S. urgency to rebuild end-to-end critical mineral capabilities. Federal agencies such as ARPA‑E, USGS, and DOE are signaling deeper collaboration with universities and emerging producers. The program underscores how educational institutions are evolving into conveners of strategic industrial development.

Rare Earth Exchanges™ Commentary

This event signals growing alignment between U.S. academia, industry startups, and federal agencies in an attempt to synchronize policy, innovation, and domestic mineral supply. But key questions remain: Can such workshops translate to actual project financing, permitting reform, or price signal coordination? Stakeholders should watch closely whether this becomes an annual forum with actionable outcomes.

For media inquiries or press registration, contact Robin Berghaus at UT Austin before August 12. See the link (opens in a new tab).