US universities eye rare earth recovery research with Indonesian partners
Top-tier research universities UNR and WashU are looking to collaborate with Indonesian partners in REE and critical minerals research, including on their recovery from waste streams.
Two prominent research institutions in the United States, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and Washington University in Saint Louis (WashU), are considering partnerships with Indonesian counterparts to explore the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals from mining waste. While formal agreements have yet to be established, the discussions are currently in the preliminary stages.
UNR has extended an invitation to Indonesian universities and businesses to collaborate on this innovative research. Professor Ehsan Vahidi, the chair of UNR's mining and metallurgical engineering department, expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaboration, stating that the university would welcome joint research at its facilities.
This collaboration would provide Indonesian students with unparalleled hands-on learning experiences, exposing them to advanced laboratories, industry connections, and mining operations in Nevada.
Vahidi outlined the specific objectives of the proposed research, emphasizing the development of recovery processes tailored to the unique resources available in Indonesia. The research would also assess the technical performance, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts of these recovery methods. To turn this opportunity into a tangible project, securing funding for graduate students and associated research costs would be crucial, as Vahidi acknowledged the funding challenge as the primary obstacle to overcome.
WashU has also expressed openness to new collaborations on the subject but prefers a more comprehensive partnership approach focused on research and workforce development. The talks between UNR and WashU with their Indonesian counterparts are currently at an exploratory stage, with no concrete partnerships announced yet. However, the potential for this collaborative research represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing global demand for REEs and critical minerals while promoting sustainable practices in mining waste management.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
