Symposium on Rare Earth Materials Keynote Address
Mark Smith
Thursday, 07 Apr 2011 at 1:45 pm – Sun Room, Memorial Union
Rare earth dependent technologies, including mobile devices and hybrid cars, are nearly 100 percent reliant on Chinese-sourced materials. In recent years China has managed to supply the world's demand for rare earths. However, China's internal consumption of its own rare earths are forcing it to restrict what it exports to the world, leading to extraordinarily tight supply markets and outright shortages. Global requirements for rare earths continue to grow, fueled by the development of green energy technologies. Molycorp President and CEO Mark Smith will discuss the global outlook for rare earth markets; the groundbreaking technologies being built into Molycorp's manufacturing supply chain; the economics supporting Molycorp's business plan; and how Molycorp will help the U.S. successfully compete in global rare earth markets. Local Chapter of Materials Research Society Annual Symposium.Morning speakers will focus on the technical applications of rare earth materials and include technology directors from Arnold Magnetic Technologies at 10:00 a.m. and ETREMA Products at 11:00 a.m. Afternoon speakers will discuss the history and economics of rare earth materials and include a principle research scientist at the General Motors R&D at 1:00 p.m. in addition to the 1:45 keynote.
Registration for the symposium is free and required to attend the luncheon: www.stuorg.iastate.edu/mrs/symp.htm
Following the keynote speaker a graduate student poster contest will showcase ISU students' work in materials science. For the full schedule of events, abstracts and speaker biographies go to:www.stuorg.iastate.edu/mrs/symp.htm
Contact: Katherine Ament at or Laura Lutz at
Cosponsored By:
- Chemistry
- College of Business MBA Program
- Graduate and Professional Student Senate
- Materials Research Society - ISU
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Physics
- U.S. Department of Energy, Ames Laboratory
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)
Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.
Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.
Lecture Etiquette
- Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
- Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
- Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
- Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.