According to Dr. Fred King, vice president for research at West Virginia University, “Their work will not only help address acid mine drainage throughout West Virginia, but the eventual construction and operation of the pre-commercial demonstration facility will create employment in regions of West Virginia affected by the United States’ transition away from fossil fuels.” “Paul and his team have developed a novel method for extracting rare earth elements and important minerals from acid mine drainage, and we are grateful to the U.S. Department of Energy and our state and federal government leaders for helping WVU advance this approach.”The researchers have actively worked with a wide range of stakeholders, including state and local legislators, trade associations, and other interested parties, in addition to choosing potential locations for this new technological facility within West Virginia.