2025 CMI Intern receives Best Poster Presenter Award

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation 
2025 CMI Intern Ernest Konadu-Yiadom, Colorado School of Mines, received recognition for his presentation showcasing his research: “Application of Phosphoric Acid Ligands for Monazite Flotation.”

Achievement 
The presentation about the monazite flotation project received the prestigious “Best Poster Presentation” award at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo, which is recognized as one of the largest global innovation platforms.

Significance and Impact
The CMI Hub Enhancing and Diversifying Supply research project through the CMI Internship Program was recognized as a leading initiative for advancing the efficiency of rare-earth mineral beneficiation processes. 

Hub Target Addressed 

  • Providing the leaders, technical experts and skilled professionals needed by U.S. industry to assure supply chains.
  • Training the critical materials workforce of the future. 

 

2025 CMI Intern Ernest Konadu-Yiadom, Colorado School of Mines, won the Best Poster Award at the Innovation in Critical Minerals and Materials Symposium at TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo, held in Raleigh, North Carolina, March 10-12, 2026. He is shown centered between two of the symposium co-chairs Alison Fritz, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and Santa Jansone-Popova, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
2025 CMI Intern Ernest Konadu-Yiadom, Colorado School of Mines, won the Best Poster Award at the Innovation in Critical Minerals and Materials Symposium at TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo, held in Raleigh, North Carolina, March 10-12, 2026. He is shown centered between two of the symposium co-chairs Alison Fritz, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and Santa Jansone-Popova, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.