October 25-26, 2024
From your cell phone to your electric vehicle, modern technology and the green economy are in need of critical minerals. Join us to explore the future of these important resources and green energy.
This symposium will delve into the pivotal role of critical minerals in the transition to a greener economy, examining the challenges and opportunities of achieving carbon-neutrality through resource expansion.
Discover how OSU is positioned to lead the way in understanding the geological origin of critical minerals and how they will contribute to the green energy transition while allowing us to serve as good stewards of our natural resources and environment. Engage with experts to learn about how we can create responsible critical mineral resource streams to sustain our ecosystems and ensure the well-being of communities. Students will also have the opportunity to network with alumni and industry partners to explore career possibilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and contribute to the future of critical minerals and sustainable energy!
This symposium will be held in conjunction with the annual Thomas Condon and George Moore Lectures, with special guest speakers: Elizabeth Holley, exploration and mining geologist and associate professor in the Mining Engineering department at Colorado School of Mines, and Tom Benson, Lithium Americas, vice president of global exploration.
Symposium schedule
Friday, October 25
Symposium will take place at the OSU CH2M HILL Alumni Center (Willamette Room)
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Registration check-in, coffee meet-and-greet
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Welcome address: Honoring OSU legacy in mineral resources and path to a greener future.
Speakers: Tuba Özkan-Haller, Dean, College of Earth, Ocean, & Atmospheric Sciences and Brian Tattitch, Barrow Family Chair in Mineral Resource Geology
10:30 – 11:45 AM
OSU Impacts on Careers: Mineral Resources Alumni Spotlight & lightning talks
11:45 – 1:00 PM
Catered luncheon with alumni, industry partners & current students
1:00 – 2:00 PM
George Moore Lecture: The Geology of Lithium Resources and Best Practices in Lithium Exploration with Tom Benson, Lithium Americas, vice president of global exploration. Also available on Zoom.
2:00 – 2:30 PM
George Moore reception and break
2:30 – 4:00 PM
Critical Minerals panel with panelists: Tom Benson (Lithium America), Elizabeth Holley (CSOM), Ruarri Day-Stirrat (DOGAMI), Burt Thomas (NETL), John Dilles (OSU)
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Free time, refresh before evening event
Thomas Condon Lecture and reception
See Thomas Condon Lecture details and registration. Will take place next door at the LaSells Stewart Center.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Pre-event reception
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Thomas Condon Lecture: Minerals for green energy: how geology dictates the social and environmental impacts of mining with Elizabeth Holley, exploration and mining geologist and Associate Professor in the Mining Engineering department at Colorado School of Mines.
Saturday, October 26 – this session is at CEOAS in Burt 193
9:00 – 11:30 AM
OSU and CEOAS roles in critical minerals: Alumni and faculty working groups and brainstorm session.