Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of metals that are critical components of hundreds of consumer products and modern technologies, including smart devices, electric and hybrid vehicles, and advanced batteries. Despite increasing need for access to these resources for everything from national defense applications to clean energy technologies, the U.S. currently has limited domestic sources of REEs, which has limited production output and has driven exploration and development of alternative domestic sources of these critical metals. This project will explore how the waste products of coal production could potentially be an important source of REEs. Although there are vast amounts of these material in the U.S., especially within the Appalachian Region, not all coal mine waste has abundant REEs. The researchers aim to explain why some coal mine wastes have higher amounts of REEs and how this is related to types of rock nearby. Understanding these relationships can help identify areas that could be targeted for cost-effective extraction of REEs, providing a potential economic resource for the region and nation. The project also includes teacher training activities and co-design of a workforce development program that will engage regional high school teachers and students, and provide local science experiences related to locally available, critical materials-related careers. These education activities will provide meaningful workforce and skill development for the Appalachia