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2 clusters · 4 sources · 23 days · First seen · Last updated

Rare earth element extraction from waste sources

Overview

Researchers are exploring unconventional methods to extract rare earth elements from waste products to address global supply shortages and reduce geopolitical dependency on China.

In the Appalachian region of the United States, pilot programs are using acid mine drainage from former coal operations to recover strategic minerals. This process aims to simultaneously remediate environmental damage and provide the ‘heavy’ rare earth elements necessary for high-strength magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technology.

Further research is expanding into biological and industrial waste sources. At the University of Vienna, scientists are developing ‘mycomining,’ a process using fungi to absorb metals from substrates. Additionally, experts suggest that existing coal ash piles in the United States may contain significant value, with estimates suggesting up to $8.4 billion worth of rare earth metals.

Entities

Bridget Scanlon · China · United States · Appalachia · Mount Storm

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Scientists seek rare earth metals in waste and fungi

    Scientists are exploring new ways to recover rare earth metals from waste, including using fungi in ‘mycomining’ and extracting valuable materials from coal ash piles.

  2. 24 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Appalachian coal mine pollution used to extract rare earth elements

    U.S. researchers are extracting strategic rare earth elements from toxic acid mine drainage in Appalachia to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies for green tech and defense industries.

Sources

6yka.com · information.tv5monde.com · lesinguliersete.fr · smartlife.mondo.rs