Sreeja Koppera, a master’s student in information science and technology, co-authored a study titled “Public Perceptions of Mineral Criticality and Preferences for Energy Transition Strategies in the United States” in Communications Earth & Environment.

The study is among the first to administer a public perception survey on critical minerals, which are essential for advancing the energy transition. The research involved a survey of 1,200 online respondents and revealed that while only 38% of respondents were familiar with the term “critical minerals”, over 80% recognized the importance of minerals in the energy transition. The study highlights the role of differing perceptions of mineral criticality in shaping policy preferences and emphasizes the need for public awareness to foster sustainable mineral strategies for the energy transition.

Koppera also presented the results of this study at the Missouri Valley Economic Association annual conference held in October 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.