Exploring Sustainable Critical Mineral Production in Central Appalachia: A Pathway to Economic Revitalization & Environmental Justice
The Evolve Central Appalachia (Evolve CAPP) project team was formed to explore the sustainability of critical mineral production within the Central Appalachian coal basin, spanning Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee in the United States. The initiative is evaluating the rare earth and critical mineral resource potential essential for powering clean energy technologies, while fostering a circular economy throughout the energy transition. Opportunities are being sought to address environmental justice, workforce development and responsible sourcing. By promoting greater resource utilization, the project is identifying downstream value-added industries, further fostering economic revitalization in the region.
Bishop, Richard↗