{"id":6953,"date":"2026-02-09T08:00:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/cem\/?p=6953"},"modified":"2026-02-02T12:48:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T18:48:10","slug":"und-led-project-strengthens-u-s-mine-to-battery-pathway-for-next-gen-drone-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/cem\/2026\/02\/und-led-project-strengthens-u-s-mine-to-battery-pathway-for-next-gen-drone-power\/","title":{"rendered":"UND-led project strengthens U.S. \u201cmine-to-battery\u201d pathway for next-gen drone power"},"content":{"rendered":"

UND researchers are working with Packet Digital and North Dakota mineral producers to create better battery materials and open a new testing lab for American-made drone batteries.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Two
The University of North Dakota\u2019s unique processing infrastructure provides a key link in moving critical mineral processing from the laboratory into the commercial space. UND archival image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From long-range inspections to emergency response, drone missions are only as strong as the batteries that power them.<\/p>\n

A new UND project aims to improve drone batteries and ensure the materials used to make them are sourced in the United States.<\/p>\n

The North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Renewable Energy Program is giving $500,000 to a $1 million project led by UND called \u201cEmpowering the Critical Minerals for Novel Cathode Materials-based Drone Batteries.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project is led by Xiaodong Hou<\/strong><\/a> and Nolan Theaker<\/strong><\/a> from the College of Engineering & Mines\u2019 Center for Process Engineering Research<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The main goal is to develop new and better cathode materials \u2014 crucial parts of lithium-ion batteries \u2014 to power the next generation of drones.<\/span><\/p>\n

Building a North Dakota-to-drone battery pathway<\/h2>\n
\"Professional
Xiaodong Hou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

UND and Packet Digital are working to make all the battery materials in the U.S., using North Dakota\u2019s resources. This includes nickel and cobalt from Talon Metals, lithium from Wellspring Hydro, and rare earth elements produced by UND<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The team is focusing on battery materials like lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) and nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), which are known for their high performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cDomestic battery materials are critical to securing supply chains against global disruptions, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and strengthening U.S. energy and national security,\u201d said Hou. \u201cThis is especially important for defense-related UAV applications, where Packet Digital\u2019s batteries must meet stringent security, reliability and traceability requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUND brings one-of-a-kind capabilities for extracting rare earth elements and critical minerals from North Dakota lignite, uniquely positioning the state within the domestic critical minerals supply chain,” explains Theaker. “Developing resource-to-end product capabilities, North Dakota has the potential to be a massive player in the developing spaces like UAVs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A
Nolan Theaker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A part of the project entails setting up a Battery Materials Qualification & Testing Lab with Packet Digital. This lab will make sure the new materials UND develops are ready for Packet Digital\u2019s battery factory in Fargo.<\/p>\n

By focusing on testing, the project aims to quickly move new discoveries from the lab into real battery manufacturing, ensuring the materials perform well and can be produced consistently.<\/p>\n

The team plans to create materials nearly ready for use in batteries, test them in various drone battery formats, and design methods to produce these materials on a larger scale. The project also aims to prepare for future large-scale production and business growth in North Dakota by planning further analysis and building a business plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Written by Paige Prekker<\/a><\/strong> \u00a0\/\/ \u00a0UND College of Engineering & Mines<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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