The Center for Advanced Separation Technologies is developing processes for coal companies to clean fine coal particles for later use rather than discarding them. Led by Tech researcher Roe-Hoan Yoon, the center is also developing processes to extract the fine coal particles from the water in coal slurry impoundments, which can contaminate the surrounding environment and communities. Virginia Tech and West Virginia University are the lead institutions in the center. Other member institutions are: University of Kentucky, Montana Tech, the University of Nevada, New Mexico Tech and the University of Utah.

"The results of our research will help the U.S. mining industry produce cleaner coals in an environmentally acceptable manner, and promote economic development in coal fields," Yoon said in a statement released by the office of U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon.

-Kevin Miller