Jeffrey L. Mauk

Emeritus Geologist, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, United States Geological Survey

Critical minerals: Reasons for hope

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey identifies 50 mineral commodities that are considered critical to the U.S. economy and national security. There are many reasons to despair for increasing domestic production of critical minerals, such as long permitting times, and loss of mineral processing and refining capabilities in the United States. However, sessions and presentations in this workshop provide reasons for hope. Improved coverage of landscape-scale data such as lidar, airborne geophysical surveys, and remote sensing data provide valuable tools to the exploration industry. Increasing research on the mineralogy and deportment of critical minerals can combine with efforts to increase recovery at operating mines and from mine waste. Expanding the critical minerals workforce through education and training at universities, trade schools, and community colleges will help provide the personnel that are required for the future of the industry, and education of the public can help mitigate the negative perception of mining. Innovations in mineral processing, refining, and recycling can increase recovery of critical minerals. The growing focus on critical minerals from all sectors of society might help provide support for future domestic mining, mineral processing, and refining.

Biography

Jeff Mauk has a BSc degree in Biology and Geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MSc degree in Geology from the University of Montana, a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Michigan, and seven years of industry experience as an exploration and mine geologist. He led the Mineral Deposit Research Group at the University of Auckland in New Zealand for nineteen years, and then spent more than 12 years as a Research Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado before retiring in May 2025.

Stefanie M. Brueckner

Assistant Professor, Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University

Critical metals in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits

Session 1: Conventional and unconventional sources of critical minerals

Abstract

Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits have been forming at or near the seafloor as strataform to stratabound, poly-metallic massive sulfide lenses since the mid-Archean. Today, they are mined predominantly for copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and, to a lesser extent, gold (Au). The increasing demand in metals needed for a low-carbon future, however, make them desirable targets since they can host various critical metals including antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), cobalt (Co) indium (In), nickel (Ni), and tellurium (Te).

Despite their polymetallic nature, exploration and mining for critical metals other than Cu and Zn in VMS deposits is still at its infant stage. This is due to our limited knowledge regarding baseline values (i.e., range in concentrations) for critical metals, their potential source(s) (i.e., volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks on the seafloor, magmatic component), residence (i.e., mineralogy), how they became enriched in VMS deposits (i.e., leaching from host rock, magmatic contribution), and their behavior during metamorphism and deformation (i.e., remobilization, formation of melts). Recent, detailed investigations on various VMS deposits have shown that the enrichment of critical metals is complex.

The enrichment of Bi, In, Sb, and Te is shown at the examples of Canadian VMS deposits Ming, Kidd Creek, and the Bathurst Mining Camp which highlights variations in critical metal mineralogy and how host rock lithology and metamorphism and deformation control the critical metal tenor in these deposits. The findings are applicable to VMS deposits globally and highlight the importance of a multi-faceted research and exploration approach that incorporates all scales of observations to constrain the enrichment of critical metals in VMS deposits.

Biography

Stefanie was born in Germany where she graduated in 2008 with a diploma in geology/paleontology, which is equivalent to a MSc., from the University of Mainz. Before starting her PhD, she worked at the Georoc and GeoReM databases at the Max-Planck-Institute of Chemistry, Geochemistry Division, Mainz. In 2010, Stefanie started her PhD on the Ming volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in beautiful Newfoundland under the supervision of Drs Stephen Piercey and Paul Sylvester. She graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2016 and receive the Governor’s Gold Medal for Best PhD thesis. From 2016-2018 she lectured at the Department of Geology and Geography, Auburn University, before her career took her north again. She was a research associate at Laurentian University from 2018-2019 focusing on exploration for VMS deposits in the Golden Triangle, BC. From 2020-2024, Stefanie was an Associate Professor for Economic Geology at the University of Manitoba. Since July 2024, she is an Associate Professor for Ore Deposits and Critical Metals at the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury. Her research focus is on the metal tenor of metamorphosed and deformed hydrothermal mineral deposits with special focus on VMS, orogenic and epithermal deposits. Her research group uses a combination of field-based tools, microscopy and micro-analytical tools to decipher the behavior of metals and sulfides during deformation. Since 2015, Stefanie has published 15 peer-reviewed papers, many as first author and raised > $1.5 M with her collaborators.

Daniel Alessi

Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin

Development of lithium manganese oxide sorbents for the recovery of lithium from brines

Session 1: Conventional and unconventional sources of critical minerals

Robert J. Bodnar

C. C. Garvin Professor and University Distinguished Professor, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech

Challenges and opportunities for students in critical minerals space

Session 2: Critical Minerals Workforce Development

Biography

Robert J. Bodnar is the C. C. Garvin Professor and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Bodnar earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, M.S. in Geology from the University of Arizona, and Ph.D. in Geochemistry and Mineralogy from Penn State University.

Bodnar’s research focuses on geofluids, and includes experimental, theoretical, and analytical studies of fluid systems at temperatures and pressures relevant to understanding geological processes occurring within the Earth. In recognition of his research accomplishments, he has been awarded the Society of Economic Geologists Lindgren Award and Silver Medal, the American Geophysical Union’s N. L. Bowen Award, the Thomas Jefferson Medal from the Virginia Museum of Natural History, and was named Virginia’s Outstanding Scientist in 2010. Bodnar has been elected Fellow of the Geological Society of America, Geochemical Society, European Association of Geochemistry, Society of Economic Geologists, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Mineralogical Society of America, American Geophysical Union, Geological Society of London, and was elected honorary member of the Geological Society of India and the Italian Mineralogical Association. In 2010, Bodnar was awarded the Laurea Honoris Causa from the Università di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy. Bodnar is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine. Bodnar currently serves as Vice-President of the Mineralogical Society of America.

Leah Turner

Director of Education and Strategic Partnerships, CUAHSI

Inspiring the Next Generation: Success Stories and Strategies from Youth Outreach

Session 2: Critical Minerals Workforce Development

Abstract

Developing a robust and diverse workforce in critical minerals research and related fields requires early, sustained, and intentional engagement with youth. This presentation draws on a social science framework to examine effective strategies for workforce development through youth outreach initiatives, with a particular focus on geosciences, engineering, and STEM education.

The session highlights models of practice from nationally recognized programs that have successfully engaged students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, demonstrating how culturally responsive design, strategic partnerships, and data-informed decision-making can drive long-term impact. The presentation also explores the role of federal and industry collaboration in scaling outreach efforts and aligning them with national workforce priorities.

Objectives include identifying key components of successful STEM outreach programs, understanding barriers to entry and persistence in geoscience-related fields, and providing actionable insights for designing inclusive educational pathways that contribute to the sustainability and innovation of the critical minerals sector.

Biography

Leah Turner (she/her) is the Director of Education and Strategic Partnerships at CUAHSI. In this role, she leads efforts to expand educational programs and cultivate strategic partnerships that advance water science research and helps create sustainability for the organization. Leah is a social scientist with a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University. Previously, she served as the Program Director for GeoSTEM Career Exploration and Workforce Development at the University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences, where she led complex initiatives and garnered support from key stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and prominent organizations in the energy sector. Her expertise lies in translating complex data into actionable strategies to drive innovation and she is committed to building strong networks that support the next generation of leaders in science and research.

Jesica Urbina

Founder and CEO, Infinite Elements

Revolutionizing Critical Mineral Recovery: Bridging Biotechnology & Mining for a Sustainable Future

Session 3: Towards a Circular Economy – Innovations in critical mineral extraction and recycling

Abstract

As the global race for critical minerals accelerates, traditional mining and refining practices are increasingly at odds with environmental constraints, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical risk. In this keynote, we will explore how biotechnology offers a powerful, underutilized solution to this decades-old problem—recovering strategic metals not by digging deeper, but by thinking smarter. Drawing on Infinite Elements’ work in industrial bioprocesses, I’ll share how our systems recover critical metals and materials from industrial residues and waste streams that have not previously been accessible by conventional methods. These innovations represent more than just green alternatives; they are scalable, economically viable tools for reshoring mineral supply and decarbonizing extraction. I will also examine the systemic barriers that persist—despite strong government interest in reshoring critical mineral supply chains, funding remains inconsistent, and public-private coordination is fragmented. This talk invites geoscientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to consider how strategic alignment between science, government, and industry can unlock a circular critical minerals economy—and why biotechnology may hold the key to building it.

Biography

Jesica Urbina is the Founder and CEO of Infinite Elements, a company pioneering biotechnology-driven solutions for sustainable metal recovery from mining waste, e-waste, and smelting byproducts. With a background in biogeochemistry and environmental toxicology, Jesica has over 15 years of experience in bio-mining, leveraging cutting-edge biological processes to extract critical minerals in an environmentally responsible way. Under her leadership, Infinite Elements has secured federal funding and venture capital investment to scale its bioleaching and biofilter technologies, attracting partnerships with major mining companies.

A former NASA researcher, Jesica applies a unique systems-thinking approach to decoupling mineral extraction from traditional, high-impact methods, creating pathways for the circular economy of critical metals. She has worked extensively with industry leaders and government agencies to shape policies and innovations that reduce mining’s environmental footprint while securing the strategic mineral supply chains essential for the energy transition.

Jesica is a passionate advocate for bridging biotechnology and mining, pushing the industry toward a future where resource recovery is not just more efficient, but also more sustainable.

Simon Jowitt

Arthur Brant Chair of Exploration Geology, University of Nevada-Reno
Director and State Geologist, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology

The 21st Century Minerals Industry; Energy Transition Challenges and Opportunities and Policy Influences on Metal Supply and Demand

Session 4: Policy and Supply Chain Economics

Abstract

Modern standards of living mean that humanity already mines more metal now than at any other point in our history. The energy transition, the global move toward low- and zero-CO2 energy generation, storage and transport, will likely result in unprecedented levels of metal and mineral mining and production, especially of the metals and minerals considered critical as a result of supply chain insecurity. However, the specific metal and mineral needs of the energy transition and the balance of metal and mineral supply and demand are subject to significant amounts of uncertainty and a variety of different influences. These uncertainties include (but are not limited to): (1) Demand uncertainty, or uncertainties over the metals and minerals required for the energy transition and the timing of this demand as a result of various drivers, (2) Supply uncertainty, or the timing of supply changes as a result of increases or decreases in mining capacity, (3) Technology uncertainty, or uncertainty over the technologies to be deployed during the energy transition (e.g., Li ion battery cathode compositions, Li ion versus Na versus solid state versus other battery technologies, the impact of the development of the hydrogen economy, and much more), (4) Policy uncertainty or the negative and positive impact of policy relating directly or indirectly to mining and critical metal and mineral supply. Although all of these are clearly important, the impact of policy on both mineral and metal supply and demand is rapidly increasing. Policy impacts can include enhanced production of precompetitive data that positively impacts and derisks exploration, to changes to permitting that can increase or decrease the rate of project development. Environmental and social policy can potentially impact active mines as well as projects in development but can also act to improve the social and environmental permission to operate that is needed to acceptably extract the metals and minerals we need by mining. Policy development can also indirectly impact the minerals industry by changing demand, and the timing of demand, for end-products. Finally, minerals and metals have global supply chains that are impacted by changes in approaches to international trade and relationships and the import and export of metal concentrates and related products. The timing of policy developments, and the impact of those developments on aspects such as commodity prices and permitting, also needs to be compared to the often 10+ year lead-in time for a typical mine from discovery to production. This presentation will provide an overview of the likely impacts of the energy transition on metal supply and demand, the relationship between metal supply and demand and policymaking, and the implications for the minerals industry and the development and expansion of US domestic supply chains of critical, base, and precious metals and minerals.

Biography

Simon M Jowitt is the Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada State Geologist, and the Arthur Brant Chair of Exploration Geology at the University of Nevada Reno. He has degrees from the University of Edinburgh, the Camborne School of Mines, and the University of Leicester and spent eight years at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia before moving to spend seven years as an Assistant and then tenured Associate Professor of Economic Geology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He joined the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at the University of Nevada Reno in 2023. His research focuses on the use of geochemistry to unravel geological processes in a variety of settings with direct application to understanding not only mineralizing systems but also igneous petrology, mineral exploration, global tectonics and the links between magmatism and metallogeny. He has also undertaken extensive research on mineral economics, global metal resources and the security of supply of the critical elements, and the “economic” side of economic geology, as demonstrated by a number of recent publications on global base, precious, and critical metal and mineral resources and the impact of the energy transition on the global minerals industry. He has published more than 120 scientific papers, peer-reviewed book chapters and geological survey reports since 2010 and was awarded the SEG’s Waldemar Lindgren Award in 2014.