Metesh named Executive Director of Critical Materials Initiatives
Butte, MT—Dr. John Metesh has been named the Executive Director of Critical Materials Initiatives at Montana Technological University. In this new role, he will provide leadership and coordinate external engagement for two of the university's premier research centers: the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP) and the Center for Environmental Remediation and Assessment (CERA).
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. John Metesh as the inaugural Executive Director of Critical Materials Initiatives at Montana Technological University,” said Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Katie Hailer. “Dr. Metesh brings extensive experience as a geologist and long-time leader of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, where he directed major research efforts, secured competitive funding, and built effective partnerships with state and federal agencies. These skills align directly with the responsibilities of this new role, which include strategic planning, center coordination, and expanding Montana Tech’s research portfolio in critical materials and energy. With his leadership, Montana Tech is well positioned to expand its role in critical materials research and contribute to the national conversation on rare earth elements and resource security.”
For 13 years, Metesh was the director and state geologist of the Montana Bureau of Mines (MBMG), where he previously worked as a research hydrogeologist, research division chief, and assistant director.
He received his master's degree in geological engineering from Montana Tech and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Montana. Over his 36 years with the MBMG, Montana Tech, and the Montana University System, Metesh has published more than 50 reports, articles, and abstracts on hydrogeology and geochemistry. He's also written many unpublished reports that have been used to make important decisions about legislation, water rights, and natural resource development.
A registered professional geologist in Wisconsin, Metesh recently served as president of the Association of American State Geologists.
Metesh will lead strategic planning, capability development, and collaborative initiatives to expand Montana Tech’s research portfolio in critical materials and energy systems with the help of the Lance Energy Chair Bob Morris. Metesh will also be responsible for aligning internal capabilities with external opportunities, strengthening institutional partnerships, and driving the university’s engagement with key stakeholders in government, industry, and academia.
“Rapidly changing geopolitics has created a new vernacular to describe the world economy,” Metesh said. “Conflicts over oil supply have been joined by critical minerals - minerals critical in manufacturing technology for medicine, energy, and national defense. The responsible development of Montana's mineral wealth has long been coupled with Montana Tech's wealth of expertise in geology, mining, and mineral processing.”
He added, “The mission is to support collaborations between our research centers, the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, and the private sector to expand Montana Tech's already strong presence in STEM education and research related to critical minerals.”
Montana Tech Chancellor Johnny MacLean said, "Montana Tech and Butte are uniquely positioned to lead Montana in meeting America's critical materials needs, and this has become one of the university's top priorities. We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Metesh into this new role. His decades of relevant experience, countless industry and governmental connections, and deep geological expertise will allow Montana Tech to take a huge step forward in this area."
Montana Tech Lance Energy Chair Bob Morris added, “I’m excited to partner with John to strengthen Montana Tech’s role in advancing energy and critical materials research and education. By aligning with national priorities and working closely with industry and government partners, Montana Tech is preparing the workforce and technologies needed for America’s energy and critical materials independence.”