Illinois Basin (IB) Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative - DE-FOA-0002364

Illinois Basin CORE-CM Initiative Mission

Expand and transform the use of coal and coal-based resources in and around the Illinois Basin to produce Rare Earth Elements (REE), Critical Minerals (CM) and novel high-value, nonfuel, Carbon-Based Products (CBP).

Illinois Basin CORE-CM Tasks and Management

Project Management and Planning, Principal Investigator
Dr. Jared Freiburg – Mineral Resource Geologist, University of Illinois, Illinois State Geological Survey

Basinal Assessment of CORE-CM Resources
Dr. Frank Delpomdor – Sedimentologist, University of Illinois, Illinois State Geological Survey

Basinal Strategies for Reuse of Waste Streams
Dr. Liliana Lefticariu – Professor, Southern Illinois University

Infrastructure Industries and Businesses
Scott Elrick–Coal Geologist and Head, University of Illinois, Illinois State Geological Survey

Technology Assessment, Development, and Field Testing
Dr. Rick Honaker–Mining Engineer, University of Kentucky

Technology Innovation Center
Dr. Yongqi Lu– Chemical Engineer and Head, University of Illinois, Illinois State Geological Survey

Stake Holder Outreach and Education
Mr. Carl Carman– Research Specialist, University of Illinois, Illinois State Geological Survey

Collaborators/Stakeholders