Critical Minerals Proposal Selected to Build Wyoming-Idaho-Nevada Coalition

A collaborative team — representing the University of Wyoming, the University of Nevada-Reno and the University of Idaho — was selected for funding under the Intermountain Critical Minerals Research Launchpad (ICMRL) to advance technologies across the critical minerals supply chain by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

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Multi-Fidelity AI Foundation Model for Coupled Surface-Groundwater Predictions of Water Availability and Flood Hazards Across CONUS

A new AI foundation model blending multi-scale hydrologic simulations with real-time data will deliver fast, high-resolution predictions of water availability and flood hazards to support energy, infrastructure, and community resilience nationwide. Water availability and flood risks are major concerns for energy production and infrastructure resilience across the United States. Predicting these challenges accurately is difficult because current large-scale hydrologic models are often too computationally expensive to provide local detail at a continental scale and tend to oversimplify the complex interactions between surface water and groundwater. Many also do not fully represent human influence such as groundwater extraction, degrading the predictability of water availability in high-demand regions. This makes it hard for communities, industries, and energy providers to plan for droughts, floods, and changing water needs.

Argonne National Laboratory

Jon Arthur has completed his time as AGI Executive Director

Dr. Jonathan Arthur has completed his time at AGI, having been appointed Executive Director on August 1, 2021. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Jon joined the Florida Geological Survey in 1993, and was Florida State Geologist from 2008 to 2021. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010, and also served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. Jon is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and received the John T. Galey, Sr. Memorial Public Service Award from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He was appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Great work, Jon!

Critical minerals center in Alaska

The NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, aims to unlock Alaska’s expansive critical mineral resources by integrating advanced mining, processing, and purification technologies, AI-enabled geochemical exploration systems, and novel bioextraction approaches. The NSF ACMA Engine will connect communities, researchers, workforce development, and industry stakeholders to expand workforce training and career pathways that support high-quality jobs, particularly in remote Alaska communities. By strengthening local workforce capacity and enabling new business and supply chain opportunities, the NSF ACMA Engine will contribute to long-term economic growth, regional stability, and domestic industrial capacity.

Chris Keane is the AGI Interim Executive Director

Dr. Christopher Keane is the AGI Interim Executive Director, following the departure of Dr. Jonathan Arthur, who held the role for five years. A search for a permanent Executive Director will be launched. Since joining the AGI in 1997, Dr. Keane has served as Director of Communications & Technology and Editor of EARTH Magazine (Geotimes), and many other roles, such as Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education. Before that, he worked at the U.S. Bureau of Mines Industrial Minerals Section. He earned his Ph.D. in Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science at the University of Maryland. We are eager to support you as always, Chris!