Hosted by WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures INEF Community Forum Our energy future requires abundant critical mineral resources. But what is a critical mineral? This panel brings together academic, national laboratory, and industry expertise to discuss what critical minerals are, where they come from, and how they relate to the energy challenges we will face in the future. This panel presentation is geared toward a non-technical audience. Join us in person or online! Panelists include: Erin Benson, Assistant Professor of Critical Minerals, WSU School of the Environment and INEF Faculty Fellow Nabajit Lahiri, Research Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Sidney Smith, Government Affairs Manager, American Exploration & Mining Association Aaron Feaver, Executive Director, Joint Center for Deployment & Research in Earth Abundant Materials Moderated by Sean V. O’Brien, Director, Energy Forward Alliance