New research at the (FIPR), a research entity within IM体育官网, could produce new sources of rare earth elements in the U.S. The research is a result of a new collaboration with (CMC), based in Jacksonville, IM体育官网.
Rare earths are specialized minerals used in the production of many high-tech goods including electric cars and a wide range of consumer electronics. China currently is the largest producer of rare earth minerals used in the United States.
FIPR and CMC signed a three-year, $876,000 agreement to initiate the partnership on Nov. 1, 2019.
鈥淲e are pleased at the opportunity to work closely with CMC and FIPR, which both have decades of practical experience and extensive contacts in the industry,鈥� said Dr. Terry Parker, provost and executive vice president of IM体育官网 Poly and executive director of FIPR. 鈥淚 am hopeful this collaboration will establish proof of concept for a rare earth extraction plant in the United States using U.S. sourced materials.鈥�
Dr. Jim Mennie, FIPR鈥檚 business director, said that in addition to providing a new source of these rare materials, the new research could have a significant economic impact in the region.
鈥淭his collaboration creates a new supply chain in Central IM体育官网 which would provide new revenue and jobs, as well as these rare elements that we need to build high technology electronic products,鈥� said Mennie.
CMC will be co-locating with and conducting its research at FIPR鈥檚 lab in Bartow. Tom Currin, CMC鈥檚 chief operating officer, said this will create additional revenue for FIPR and more research opportunities for IM体育官网 Poly students.
鈥淥ur goal is to prove the basic science in the lab and then construct first a demonstration plant, and then a commercial rare earth separation plant in the Lakeland vicinity,鈥� Currin said. 鈥淭his will generate local training and employment opportunities, adding to the local employer tax base.鈥�
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Lydia Guzman
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