UPDATE: New research reveals that the waste ash from coal burned in US power plants may contain nearly $165 billion worth of rare earth elements (REEs), with $97 billion potentially recoverable. This groundbreaking study, led by geoscientists from the University of Texas at Austin, underscores a significant opportunity for the United States to tap into a domestic source of these critical materials, which are vital for modern technologies.
The paper illustrates a remarkable potential hidden within the 52 billion tons of coal ash generated since the 1950s. As the nation grapples with a dependence on foreign imports—predominantly from China, which supplies around 70 percent of the country’s REEs—this discovery could help fortify US energy security and reduce environmental impacts associated with mining.
Geologist Bridget Scanlon emphasizes the transformative nature of this discovery, stating, “This really exemplifies the ‘trash to treasure’ mantra. We’re basically trying to close the cycle and use waste and recover resources in the waste.” The research indicates that between 1985 and 2021, approximately 11 million tons of REEs could be extracted from accessible coal-ash deposits, a figure nearly eight times greater than current US reserves.
Coal itself is not just a source of fuel; it contains trace amounts of various minerals, including rare earths. When burned, the combustible components of coal dissipate, leaving behind a concentrated residual ash that is enriched in these valuable elements. The concentration of REEs in coal ash can be 4 to 10 times higher than in unburned coal, making this an attractive area of study.
Current estimates suggest that the total theoretical value of the 15 lanthanide REEs within US coal ash is approximately $56 billion. With 30-70 percent of coal ash deemed accessible, the realistic market value of these deposits is projected to be around $14 billion. However, when factoring in other elements like yttrium and scandium, the overall potential value skyrockets to $165 billion.
While extraction methods are still under investigation, the implications are profound. The researchers argue that developing REE resources from coal ash could not only enhance US energy self-sufficiency but also mitigate the environmental risks posed by unlined ash landfills and ponds in vulnerable areas.
The study, published in the International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, calls for a global evaluation of similar coal ash deposits in countries where coal is prevalent. As the demand for REEs continues to rise, especially for applications in clean energy and advanced technology, this research opens the door to sustainable practices in resource recovery.
In addition to coal ash, scientists are exploring other innovative methods of sourcing rare earth elements. Recent studies suggest that extinct volcanoes may serve as additional sources, while plants with the ability to absorb these minerals from the soil could pave the way for greener extraction methods.
As the world grapples with the challenges of securing these critical materials, the urgency to advance extraction techniques and reduce reliance on foreign imports has never been greater. The developments in coal ash research present a promising avenue for the United States to reclaim autonomy over its rare earth supply chain, ensuring a sustainable future for industries that rely on these essential resources.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and scientists continue to explore the potential of our existing waste resources.
