The University of Utah is moving to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical minerals with the creation of the Institute for Critical and Supreme Minerals (ICSM). On Tuesday, April 14, the University's Board of Trustees voted in favor of the proposed institute.
The ICSM intends to expand sustainable production of critical minerals and rare earth elements through cutting-edge research, workforce development, and education. This initiative follows the Utah legislature passing S.B. 254 and S.C.R. 9 during the 2026 session to bolster the state's mining industry.
University of Utah President Taylor Randall stated that with support from state leaders, Utah is taking a decisive step toward leading in critical minerals. He noted that by working with governmental and industry partners, the institute will position Utah as a national hub for research, processing, and production of critical minerals to drive economic growth and strengthen supply chains.
The institute will support the full lifecycle of mineral development, including geological discovery, responsible mining, recycling, and processing. It will also address challenges related to environmental regulation, market analysis, and community impact.
To achieve its interdisciplinary mission, the ICSM will bring together experts from several departments, including the Colleges of Engineering, Law, Business, Social and Behavioral Science, and Mines and Earth Sciences. Michael Free, a professor of metallurgical engineering and proposed director of the institute, said the University is uniquely positioned to lead this effort as the only institution in Utah offering a combination of metallurgy, mining engineering, and geology.
The launch of the ICSM is currently pending approval from the Utah Board of Higher Education. The institute will leverage more than $20 million in research awards received by University of Utah scientists over the last six years.
Mitzi Montoya, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said the institute builds on the university's long-standing legacy of training engineers and geologists for the mining industry. The ICSM plans to create an ecosystem for research, mentoring, and service connected to undergraduate and graduate education, supported by an external advisory board featuring leaders from government and industry.
