Critical Minerals Research

NLR's critical minerals research spans supply chain and market analysis, feedstock characterization, advanced processing and separations, and next-generation materials that reduce dependence on scarce resources.

Power System Solutions for Mining Minerals

To enable reliable mineral mining operations, NLR develops methods for power systems and controls.

Researchers looking at a visualization screen.

Innovative Materials and Processing for Advanced Critical Technologies Partnership

The Joint Research Alliance for Innovative Materials and Processing for Advanced Critical Technologies (IMPACT) is a partnership between the University of Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute and NLR, building a national platform to accelerate innovation in critical technologies. IMPACT is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial reality by providing environments where new materials, processes, and energy systems can be tested, validated, and advanced toward deployment.

Group photo of IMPACT members.

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Last Updated April 15, 2026