Hoeven Announces $1.5 Million Grant to UND EERC to Advance Lignite Coal Research

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today announced that the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy has awarded $1.5 million to the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). Today’s funding will support continued efforts to develop and test methods for extracting rare earth elements and critical minerals, as well as producing nonfuel carbon-based products, from lignite coal, expanding opportunities to utilize coal resources within the Williston Basin. Hoeven supported the EERC’s grant application, highlighting this important opportunity to develop a domestic source for these vital elements and minerals, which are important to the nation’s security.

“North Dakota provides a vast array of critical resources for the United States,” said Senator Hoeven. “This grant will support the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center’s efforts to continue advancing the production of rare-earth elements, critical minerals and other carbon products from North Dakota lignite coal. This is vital as we continue adding value to our abundant lignite coal resources, enhancing domestic production to reduce reliance on foreign imports and supporting economic growth across the region.” 

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