The project will investigate ion-exchange leaching and concentration technologies that can extract and enrich the rare earth elements (REEs) derived from coal resources, specifically clay and shale. Work conducted under this project will include field sample collection, thermodynamic assessments, routine laboratory testing, and engineering analyses. Initial efforts will focus on identifying, collecting, and characterizing at least three distinct feedstock samples that approach or exceed 300 ppm total REE on a whole sample basis. Next, experimental efforts will focus on two distinct process operations, including (1) ion-exchange leaching and (2) ion/precipitate flotation. A limited number of solvent extraction tests will be performed for comparative purposes only. These experimental efforts will be supported by ongoing thermodynamic assessments, which will provide a fundamental basis for selection and dosing requirements of lixiviant (liquid used for leaching a metal from the ore or mineral). During the final tasks, the results from the experimental program will be used to generate a preliminary system design, and cost/revenue modeling will be used to perform a rigorous techno-economic assessment.