Dr. Schroeder receives Elemental Awards UK-US Critical Minerals Research Travel Grant

Eleven new partnerships launched to accelerate innovation in engineering biology for sustainable critical mineral supply chains.

Department of Geology News (Oct 30, 2025)

The University of Georgia’s Dr. Paul Schroeder (Professor of Clay Mineralogy in the Department of Geology) has been awarded an ELEMENTAL Catalysing New UK–US Critical Minerals Research Partnership grant to advance research on the Rare Earth Element (REE) potential of kaolin deposits in Cornwall, England. This international collaboration seeks ways to compare REE resources in Georgia’s world-class kaolin deposits with those in the United Kingdom, supporting the development of more sustainable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals.  read more

Elemental Awards UK-US Critical Minerals Research Travel Grants (November 25, 2025)

Elemental is pleased to announce the successful award of funding through the Catalysing New UK-US Critical Minerals Research Partnerships scheme. 

Professor Paul A. Schroeder (University of Georgia) is collaborating with the Natural History Museum 
This collaboration brings together clay scientists and geomicrobiologists to assess the potential for environmentally sustainable rare earth element extraction from UK primary kaolin deposits by integrating field sampling, industry engagement, and comparative studies with US kaolin systems. 

The Elemental Project is tackling the global challenge of building resilient critical mineral supply chains through engineering biology applications, bringing together specialists from various UK institutions, including the University of Kent, Quadram Institute, University of East Anglia, University of Manchester, Durham University, Natural History Museum, University College London, University of Surrey, and the University of York. It is one of six UKRI-funded Engineering Biology Mission Hubs. 

Franklin College News - article by Alan Flurry (December 3, 2025)

University of Georgia faculty member Paul Schroeder will lead one of 11 new partnerships launched to accelerate innovation in engineering biology for sustainable critical mineral supply chains. 

"This new UK–US collaboration aims to holistically integrate biology, geology, engineering, and the social sciences to make use of legacy clay mining sites in both countries," Schroeder said. "The goal is to extract critical minerals sustainably, with minimal environmental and societal impact." read more