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Williston Basin CORE-CM

CORE-CM logo

Setting the Stage for Future Expansion in the Williston Basin

The goal of the Williston Basin CORE-CM project is to set the stage for future expansion and transformation of coal and coal-based resource utilization within the Williston Basin for the production of rare earth elements (REEs), critical minerals (CMs), and nonfuel carbon-based products. The project will 1) assess the existing information available for resource characterization, waste streams, and technologies, and identify options for business development, innovation centers, and stakeholder engagement; 2) identify the gaps where additional research and technology development are necessary; 3) create a series of plans to provide a pathway for future phases of development; and 4) initiate stakeholder engagement.

About the Williston Basin 

The Williston Basin is a large sedimentary basin centered in western North Dakota, with portions reaching into South Dakota, Montana, and Canada. It has a rich and extensive history of producing critical resources for the United States. Significant research has characterized REE and CM content in the lignite coals and combustion by-products of the basin as well as exploration of technologies for extraction of these components. Additionally, recent research has also focused on the production of graphene, graphite, and carbon-based building materials from lignite coal.

Williston Basin map

The Williston Basin CORE-CM project will focus on portions located in the United States.

Project Benefits

Future benefits of the projects could include economic growth, job creation, and a secure domestic supply of REEs and CMs.

Initiative Information and Partners 

The CORE-CM Initiative was proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a three-phase program. As announced in April 2021, $19 million was awarded to 13 Phase I projects focused on the coal-producing basins around the United States. Work on Williston Basin CORE-CM Phase I began in October 2021, slated to last 20 months. Working alongside the EERC are the University of North Dakota’s Institute of Energy Studies and Nistler College of Business and Public Administration, North Dakota State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Montana Technological University, and the Critical Materials Institute. Cost-share partners for this project include DOE, the North Dakota Industrial Commission Lignite Research Program, North American Coal, BNI Energy, Minnkota Power Cooperative, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

 

Fact Sheets and Presentations

Williston Basin CORE-CM Fact Sheet

Williston Basin CORE-CM Initiative

6-Month Virtual Meeting Presentation

Williston Basin CORE-CM Presentation

Williston Basin CORE-CM Brochure

CORE-CM Booklet

CREES-WB Presentation Slides

CREES-WB Slides 2022

For More Information about Williston Basin CORE-CM

John Kay
John Kay
Principal Engineer, Emissions and Carbon Capture
  • EMAIL ME

 

 

 

 

What are Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals?

Learn more from DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory. 

Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals

 

High Tech Critical Minerasl
Critical Minerals in North Dakota's Shales 

This project, funded through the EERC's designation as the State Energy Research Center (SERC), focused on evaluating North Dakota shales as a potential resource for rare-earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals (CMs).

LEARN MORE

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In Situ Leaching Potential In North Dakota 

REEs consist of the lanthanide series of elements with atomic numbers from 57 to 71, plus yttrium (Y) and scandium (Sc). Because of their unique properties, REEs are crucial materials used in an incredible array of consumer goods, energy system components, and military defense applications. 

LEARN MORE

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P  701.777.5000
research@undeerc.org
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