US: Rare earths drawn from coal mine wastewater

In the Appalachian region of West Virginia, wastewater from retired coal mines is rich in rare earths, the valuable minerals used in high-tech products like smartphones and clean energy technology. These minerals are crucial for manufacturing powerful magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbines, as well as drones and fighter jets.

The United States has struggled to secure a domestic supply of these rare earths, as China currently holds a near-monopoly in production and refining. This has raised concerns about the US's strategic dependence on foreign sources. University researchers discovered that the acid mine drainage from shuttered coal mines contained rare earths.

With public funding, West Virginia University (WVU) developed a pilot program to collect runoff at a retired coal mine in Mount Storm, treating it to extract the rare earths as a byproduct while ensuring environmental cleanup. While the Mount Storm facility can produce about four tons of rare earth oxides per year, accounting for only 45% heavy rare earths, the potential for expansion exists.

If the facility were to expand to produce 300 metric tons annually, it could meet 7-8% of global demand for rare earths like terbium and dysprosium. However, challenges remain in terms of processing capabilities, as the US only has limited processing facilities. The US government has been investing in companies specializing in separation, refining, and magnet production, including a partnership with REalloys to treat rare earths extracted from acid water drainage.

While the project may not single-handedly solve the entire problem, it aims to contribute meaningfully to the domestic supply chain for heavy rare earth elements essential for US defense and technology industries.