1) to study the basic science and technology of solid-solid and solid-liquid separations including those that are important to the mining and minerals processing industries, and

2) to provide the enabling science that will permit the economic recovery of coal and other materials now lost as waste or already disposed of in coal and mineral waste impoundments.

The separations research conducted at CAST consists of three broad areas: (1) physical separation, (2) chemical and biological separation, and (3) environmental control. Research activities under CAST expand beyond fundamental research so that near-term interests of the U.S. mining industry can also be addressed.

Funding for the CAST initiative is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy through two financial assistance awards. The first award (DE-FC26-01NT41091) totals approximately $2.34 million ($1.75 million DOE) between September 17, 2001 to December 31, 2003. The second award (DE-FC26-02NT41607) totals approximately $11 million ($8.8 million DOE) between October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2005. Strong involvement of industrial partners in this funding initiative is also anticipated.

During August 14-15, 2002, CAST hosted a workshop in Charleston, West Virginia, to develop a roadmap for research. The workshop was attended by key personnel from mining companies, equipment suppliers, government agencies, research laboratories, and universities. These representatives presented their views on technological needs and R&D priorities for the U.S. mining industry. The workshop was facilitated and monitored by personnel from BCS Incorporated, which had previous experience in developing roadmaps. Exhibit 1 shows a matrix of the items discussed at the workshop. The CAST Roadmap is now available for review and comment. Please submit your comments regarding the Roadmap to the Director, Associate Director, or to one of the Site Coordinators at the participating universities.