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August 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 18, 2022

University of è����Ƶ to convene critical minerals summit August 22-23

Fairbanks, AK – In partnership with state and congressional leaders, the University of è����Ƶ will host a summit to explore è����Ƶ’s role in meeting the country’s need for a domestic supply of critical mineral resources.

The gathering will include policy makers, industry leaders, è����Ƶ Native corporations, state and federal agencies, and top scientists and researchers. , will take place August 22 - 23 at the University of è����Ƶ Fairbanks against the backdrop of the United State’s $369 million investment to jumpstart clean energy development. 

“The race for clean energy technologies places è����Ƶ at the center of our country’s demand to develop domestic sources,” said University of è����Ƶ President Pat Pitney. “It also places the è����Ƶ in a perfect position to convene these vital, national discussions.”

Critical minerals plentiful in è����Ƶ – copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements – are essential components in clean energy technologies from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles. Securing a domestic supply of critical minerals is essential for both the country’s green energy goals and national defense. 

“For the past 100 years, the University of è����Ƶ system has been advancing research and expertise and educating the workforce required to help meet the demands of our state’s future. Our faculty, staff, students and alumni comprise a formidable resource to help guide the sound development of è����Ƶ's critical minerals,” said Pitney.

Senators Murkowski and Sullivan will kick off the summit on the first day with a discussion about mineral development in è����Ƶ as a strategic national imperative. Throughout the day, speakers will address the geopolitical issues surrounding critical mineral development, è����Ƶ’s supply, access, permitting, and the community impact of critical mineral development.

Governor Dunleavy will open the second day of the summit and discussions throughout the day will take an indepth look at è����Ƶ's opportunities. Sessions will include a look at the current research related to critical minerals in è����Ƶ, and industry needs for development, including workforce and infrastructure.

Moderators for the two-day summit include Mike Sfraga, Chair, U.S. Arctic Commission, and DNR Acting Commissioner Akis Gialopsos. A full list of speakers and moderators is . The full agenda is .

Registration for the summit, which is near attendance capacity, is open . The è����Ƶ is partnering with the Wilson Center Polar Institute to provide a  of the summit. A recording and proceedings will be made available at a later date.

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MEDIA ACCESS: Media interested in covering the summit in person must register. There is no conference fee for media. Registration is at: , code akmincomp2022. 

For more information contact Monique Musick, manager of marketing and communication, at 907-388-4784 or mmusick@alaska.edu.