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2022 West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium Scheduled for October 4-5, 2022!

Mark your calendars now! The 2022 West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium has officially been scheduled for October 4-5, 2022. Watch out for symposium program to be released in April!

The West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force was formed in 1978 and assigned to investigate the acid mine drainage (AMD) problem associated with surface mining in central West Virginia. Since then, the Task Force has broadened its scope to include areas outside of West Virginia with many diverse mine drainage issues.

Read Full Article: 2022 West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force Symposium Scheduled for October 4-5, 2022!

WV House passes bill clarifying who profits from extracting rare earth elements from mine drainage

In a nearly unanimous vote, the House of Delegates has passed a bill designed to clarify who can profit from the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals essential to technology products and national security.

The House on Monday approved House Bill 4003, which would establish that any party that treats any mine drainage may derive “commercial benefit” from any elements or other byproducts of the treated material.

Read Full Article: WV House passes bill clarifying who profits from extracting rare earth elements from mine drainage

Delegates push incentives to treat mine runoff and extract rare earth elements

The Legislature is considering bills to promote West Virginia production of the rare earth elements that are essential parts of high-tech devices.

The House Energy and Manufacturing Committee passed two related bills Thursday afternoon. They’ll now be considered by the House Judiciary Committee.

Read Full Article: Delegates push incentives to treat mine runoff and extract rare earth elements

WV House committee advances bills seeking economic boost from extracting valuable substances from treated mine drainage

Article written by Mike Tony for the Charleston Gazette-Mail
January 27, 2022

The state House Energy and Manufacturing Committee has approved a pair of bills designed to encourage economic development from extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals essential to technology products and national security.

Read Full Article: WV House committee advances bills seeking economic boost from extracting valuable substances from treated mine drainage

Brownfield Tools that Drive Local Success: Virtual Seminar Recap

In the second session of the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) Virtual Seminar Series, representatives from the Northern West Virginia Brownfield Assistance Center (NBAC) highlighted a collaborative project with the Save the Tygart Watershed Association as well as the resources provided by WVU Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB).

 

Read Full Article: Brownfield Tools that Drive Local Success: Virtual Seminar Recap

Registration now open for WRI and 3RQ virtual events

3RQ Virtual Roundtable Series Logo

3RQ will host a three-part virtual series consisting of monthly online meetings where attendees are invited to learn about the research, conservation, and education-based efforts being undertaken by 3RQ member organizations and 3RQ partner researchers in the Upper Ohio River Basin. The goal of this series is to build connections, share information, and stay updated on activities within the region. Speakers will include watershed groups, conservation groups, and university researchers.

Read Full Article: Registration now open for WRI and 3RQ virtual events

State lawmakers consider benefits, legal complexity of rare earth elements draft legislation

WRI's Director, Paul Ziemkiewicz addresses the Energy Committee. Perry Bennett/WV Legislative Photography

The concept behind draft legislation the West Virginia Joint Standing Energy Committee considered at an interim legislative session meeting this week is simple.

Read Full Article: State lawmakers consider benefits, legal complexity of rare earth elements draft legislation

Water Research Institute director updates WV legislators on rare earth recovery efforts, urges law clarifying ownership

The long-term environmental problem of acid mine drainage in West Virginia could offer a long-term economic solution.

West Virginia Water Research Institute Director Paul Ziemkiewicz made that pitch recently to the state Joint Economic Development Commission. The institute is assessing the feasibility of scaling up acid mine drainage treatment technology to support a nationwide supply chain of valuable rare earth elements and critical minerals.

Read Full Article: Water Research Institute director updates WV legislators on rare earth recovery efforts, urges law clarifying ownership