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David Hoffman
Critical Materials Program Director
David Hoffman is the Director of the Critical Materials Program at the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI). In this role, he serves as a technical leader in projects that seek to recover Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Critical Minerals (CM) from unconventional feedstocks including, but not limited to, acid mine drainage (AMD) and acid rock drainage (ARD). David has been with WVWRI since July of 2020 and has been directing the Critical Materials Program since March of 2023. In his time at WVWRI, David has assisted in the design and implementation of a first-of-its-kind pilot plant for REE recovery from AMD. This facility successfully produces high purity light and heavy rare earth oxides. In addition, he has been a part of developing several successful technologies for both Acid Leaching and Solvent Extraction circuits in the recovery of REE from AMD. David has a Bachelor of Science degree in both Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Geneva College. He hopes his work will incentivize AMD treatment and create better environments for wildlife and local communities. He also hopes to be a part of building a secure supply chain of REE and CM in the United States.