Scientists have discovered a huge trove of rare metals needed for clean energy hidden inside toxic coal waste. The study, led by the University of Texas at Austin, found that millions of tons of coal ash from power plants across the US contain up to 11 million tons of rare earth elements, worth around $8.4 billion.
The research offers a potential source of domestic rare earth elements without the need for new mining. Bridget Scanlon, a study author, said that this discovery exemplifies the “trash to treasure” mantra and aims to close the cycle by recovering resources from waste.
Rare earth metals are crucial for clean technology, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. Demand is expected to soar up to seven times current levels by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. However, US supply remains small, with most rare earth elements imported from China.
The study found that coal ash from different regions contains varying amounts of rare earth elements. Coal ash from the Appalachian Basin has the highest concentrations, while coal ash from the Powder River Basin has the lowest. The extraction process could be costly due to the need for strong acids and bases.
Despite concerns about the environmental impacts, the study authors suggest that the value from extracting rare earth metals could offset the costs of improving coal ash storage and management. The Biden administration has announced a $17.5 million investment into projects to extract rare earths from coal waste.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/scientists-huge-trove-rare-metals-090043823.html