CRITICAL MINERALS & HYDROGEN

MEET OUR RESEARCH TEAM

Bryony Richards Ph.D.

Bryony Richards Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Rajive Ganguli Ph.D.

Rajive Ganguli Ph.D.

Professor, Mining Engineering

Eiichi Setoyama Ph.D.

Eiichi Setoyama Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Chris Kessler

Chris Kessler

Position

ABOUT

At the University of Utah’s Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI), our Critical Minerals and Hydrogen Research Team is at the forefront of global efforts to secure and innovate within the field of energy and resource management. Our research spans across the globe, focusing on the exploration, sustainable extraction, and advanced analysis of critical minerals, which are essential for modern technology and energy solutions.

 

Our team is pioneering state-of-the-art techniques in critical minerals research, including mineral waste reclamation, which offers significant potential for resource recovery and environmental stewardship. We also specialize in conducting groundbreaking research in some of the most remote and hostile environments on Earth, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to overcome the unique challenges these regions present.
In addition, we are leading innovative research into natural hydrogen, exploring its potential as a clean and sustainable energy source. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to contribute to a stable and secure supply chain for critical minerals and hydrogen, driving forward the energy transition and supporting global sustainability goals.
CRITICAL MINERALS FLYER

PROJECT SUMMARIES & ARTICLES

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI): 2024-2026: Tintic District Mine Waste Characterization

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) and the Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) will be carrying out a comprehensive mine waste characterization project in the greater Tintic mining area, Utah’s second most productive mining region. See full summary here.

Mapping minerals remotely: how hyperspectral imaging can support exploration

Satellites are already used in mineral exploration, but advances in technology are creating new opportunities for more sophisticated remote prospecting. Researchers in Utah are combining satellites, hyperspectral imaging and AI to discover mineral deposits. Read full article here.

RESEARCH TOOLS

HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING

Hyperspectral imaging of critical minerals and key mineral resources: Distribution and accessibility of critical minerals to be investigated in regard to regional geological settings/resource types.

CRITICAL MINERAL ANALYSIS

Microscopy including reflected light and electron microscopy to assess the liberation potential of critical minerals within deposits and tailings.

ASSESSMENT OF MINE TAILINGS

Assessment of the availability and accessibility of critical minerals as by-products of major mining resources: Analysis methods include remote sensing and laboratory analysis.

AI CRITICAL MINERAL ANALYSIS

AI analysis of remote sensing images, including hyperspectral imaging of mine tailings and generation of target detection algorithms.