COLUMBIA, Missouri, Dec. 17 -- The University of Missouri issued the following news release: * * * Turning waste into wealth: Mizzou researchers target Missouri mines for critical materials A $2.8 million U.S. Department of Energy award is powering the development of breakthrough extraction technology. * University of Missouri researchers are developing a process to transform abandoned mining waste into an untapped treasure chest of rare earth elements. Baolin Deng, Curators' Distinguished  more