Williston Basin Core-CM Initiative (Phase 1 Interim Report)

Abstract

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is leading the Williston Basin Coal Ore, Rare Earth Elements, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative, an initiative to drive the expansion and transformation of coal and coal-based resource usage within the Williston Basin to produce rare-earth elements (REEs), critical minerals (CMs), and nonfuel carbon-based products (NFCBPs). This project is the first phase in a long-term program and will set the stage for future work by assessing resource, market, technology, and infrastructure knowledge; identifying knowledge gaps; developing a series of plans to be carried out in future work; and initiating stakeholder engagement. Composed of several tasks, the project seeks to identify, characterize, and assess several necessary aspects vital to make this future work a reality. The most fundamental of these is an understanding of the resources within the Williston Basin to determine if ore extraction has potential. To date, over 1800 sample cores have been compiled and analytical data collected regarding content of REEs and CM potential for economical extraction. These data indicated that there are resources present in the basin, with the dominant elements being scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), neodymium (Nd), lanthanum (La), and cerium (Ce), with several other elements showing potential. Data collection is continuing. Waste products are also being examined for their potential to provide REEs and CMs. The prominent waste streams identified as large volume and high potential are produced water from oil and gas, flair gas from oil production, and combustion by-products (CBP) from power generation or ash. Materials identified include acids, basic oxides and salts, pure compounds, and a potential for organics, as well as REEs and CMs. China dominates the mining and processing of rare earths. This domination leads to domestic insecurity regarding supply and market price for these materials, and challenges remain in the way of an independent supply chain. The experience of a domestic supply chain is available; however, business and environmental and political factors may make the effort difficult to achieve, especially over a short time frame. Steps examined in the supply chain included mining, concentration, separation, processing, and manufacturing, with separation and processing highlighted specifically as lacking in the domestic industry. Data were examined related to these various steps and identified various scenarios where the industries can be located and profitable in North Dakota or the broader market area. Preliminary review of existing markets for REEs indicates a relatively small industry that is now making headlines because the risk of REE supply disruption is high. The Williston Basin region has robust rail and truck transportation infrastructure, primarily due to agricultural and energy-based industries exporting high volumes of bulk commodities, and is well equipped to handle the logistics required for domestic production of REEs and CMs. Several technologies are being examined for their potential use within the Williston Basin. The technologies include ore extraction, refining and purification, and material upgrading. Over 25 technologies have been identified that may be applicable. Identification of technologies is ongoing. The information being gathered on REE and CM identification through ore deposits and waste streams, business infrastructure, and applicable supply chain technologies will be used to develop necessary plans for the development of one or more technology innovation centers. Examination of eight existing centers, state agencies, and training programs will provide guidance as development for REE and CM innovation continues. Finally, stakeholder outreach and education have been progressing through a series of activities, including website development, conference booth materials, fact sheets, blog posts, and information booklets. Webinars are being conducted to educate the public and stakeholders about REEs, CMs, and the potential impact of industry development in the basin. Several presentations have been given both locally and nationally on the program. The information being gathered indicates that the Williston Basin is in an excellent position to develop its REE and CM assets from carbon ore and waste streams. Through this initiative, the foundation is being laid to provide an economic benefit to the basin and region.