Dr. Rick Honaker, professor of mining engineering and the director of the SMaRT Center, was invited and presented as a keynote speaker at the 21st Annual Kentucky Environmental Conference. The conference, organized by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, aimed to discuss various environmental issues in Kentucky and promote sustainable solutions.

Dr. Honaker's presentation focused on the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal waste, which can be hazardous to the environment if not managed properly. By extracting REEs, the amount of coal waste generated by mining can be reduced, and a valuable resource can be harvested, contributing to a more sustainable economy.

The attendees at the conference included representatives from various industries, environmental groups, and government agencies. Several prominent companies attended the meeting, including LG&E and KU Energy, Toyota Motor North America, and Kentucky Power, among others. The attendance of these companies highlighted their commitment to finding sustainable solutions and reducing their environmental impact.

Other speakers at the conference discussed topics such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy. The conference provided an opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and collaborate on environmental issues.

The Kentucky Environmental Conference provides a crucial platform for promoting sustainable solutions and addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Honaker's proposal for coal waste management is just one example of the innovative ideas that can lead to a more sustainable future for Kentucky and the rest of the world.

Here is a link to Dr. Honaker's presentation slides.