The DSI-NRF CIMERA successfully hosted the 2nd Research Symposium on Critical Raw Materials (CRM) in coal and its by-products at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) on August 30, 2024.

The symposium, which focused on the importance of research into CRM and Rare Earth Elements (REE) in coal and coal discards, attracted a diverse group of participants from academia and industry. The Key speakers and presenters included :

• Prof Reinout Meijboom: Vice Dean of Research, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg.
• Deputy Minister Buti Manamela: Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
• Setepane Mohale: Chief Director of Economic Analysis and Statistics, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
• Dr Nandi Malumbazo: Co-organizer, University of the Witwatersrand
• Dr Kelley Reynolds: Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.
• Dr Alex Moyes: Director of Critical Minerals, Ramaco Resources, Wyoming, USA.

The symposium featured presentations by postgraduate students from the University of Johannesburg, the University of South Africa and the University of Witwatersrand, highlighting their research work in the field and an industry presentation by Dr Kelley Reynolds from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, providing an update on the legacy ash project. Dr Alex Moyes’ keynote address on “Unconventional Rare Earth Element Deposit in Wyoming” was particularly well-received, giving valuable insights into real-world REE coal exploration projects.

The event concluded with an open discussion session that explored research needs, the importance of transitioning from research to application, and plans for future symposia.

The symposium was attended by 51 participants in-person and 39 online from academia and industry. We express our thanks to the programme facilitator, Dr Lumkile Mondi, for facilitating the day and DSI-NRF CIMERA for the arrangements. Sponsors DSI-NRF CIMERA and Seriti Resources through the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Wits University, are thanked for their support. All speakers and presenters are thanked for their involvement in supporting this evolving research field.