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US Could Have $100 Billion in Rare Earth Elements in Coal Waste
Developing
In Short: The US may have a significant reserve of rare earth elements in coal waste, potentially worth $100 billion, which could bolster energy security and reduce reliance on imports.
The US could have a significant reserve of rare earth elements (REEs) hidden in coal waste, according to recent research. This discovery suggests a potential $100 billion stash of valuable minerals that could bolster the country's energy security and reduce reliance on imports.
Scientists have identified substantial concentrations of REEs in coal ash, the byproduct of coal combustion. This finding opens up new avenues for recycling and reusing these critical materials, which are essential for technologies ranging from wind turbines to electric vehicles.
The implications of this discovery are profound. By tapping into this domestic resource, the US could enhance its industrial competitiveness and mitigate the risks associated with global supply chains. However, the practicality of extracting these elements from coal waste remains to be explored.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Single-source account; further confirmation still arriving.
Sources
- ScienceAlertlink