A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has identified Rare Earth Elements (REE) in coal ash accumulated in the United States. This material, long considered a problematic industrial waste, could contain enough Rare Earth Elements to significantly bolster the national supply of these critical resources without requiring new mining activities.
Coal ash is the byproduct of burning this fossil fuel, which has been widely used for energy generation. According to a study published in the International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, it is estimated that the accessible coal ash supply in the United States could contain up to 11 million tons of Rare Earth Elements. This amount is nearly eight times the nation’s current reserves of these essential elements, with a potential value of approximately $8.4 billion.
This research, the first to quantify national coal ash resources, highlights the possibility of reusing industrial waste as a viable source of Rare Earth Elements. These elements are crucial for manufacturing modern technologies, including those related to the transition to cleaner energy, such as solar panels, batteries, and magnet systems for wind turbines.
Currently, the United States relies almost entirely on imports to meet its Rare Earth Element needs, with China supplying approximately 75% of the global market. This dependence poses significant risks, especially amid complex global supply chains and geopolitical tensions. Utilizing coal ash as a domestic resource could not only reduce this vulnerability but also provide a sustainable solution to a persistent environmental problem.
The study indicates that coal ash contains varying concentrations of Rare Earth Elements (REE) depending on its geological origin. For instance, ash from coal in the Appalachian Basin shows the highest concentrations of REE, averaging 431 milligrams per kilogram, though only 30% of these elements are recoverable. In contrast, ash from coal in the Powder River Basin contains fewer REE (264 milligrams per kilogram) but offers a higher extraction rate, close to 70%.
Despite the immense potential identified, most efforts to extract REE from coal ash remain in the research phase. Pilot projects, such as one conducted by the National Energy Technology Laboratory, are beginning to explore viable techniques for this task. Additionally, companies like Element USA are investing in infrastructure and training to make this approach economically feasible.
Chris Young, Chief Strategy Officer of Element USA, emphasized that the challenge lies in turning this commonsense proposal into a profitable opportunity. His company, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, seeks to develop technical capabilities and train the next generation of specialists in critical mineral processing and separation.
Leveraging coal ash as a source of Rare Earth Elements represents an innovative solution that addresses both the supply needs of these strategic materials and the environmental impact of industrial waste.
Bridget Scanlon, a principal co-author of the study, highlights that this initiative could herald the beginning of a broader market for coal ash, fostering a more sustainable and circular approach to resource management.
SOURCES
The University of Texas at Austin
Reedy, R.C., Scanlon, B.R., Bagdonas, D.A. et al. Coal ash resources and potential for rare earth element production in the United States. Int J Coal Sci Technol 11, 74 (2024). doi.org/10.1007/s40789-024-00710-z
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