Acid mine drainage could unlock supply of rare earth elements

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) scientists have developed a two-stage treatment process that enabled them to recover higher concentrations of rare earth elements using smaller amounts of chemicals than previously possible during AMD.

Chromatography techniques yield rare earth elements from coal ash

"This technique represents an efficient, low-cost and environmentally friendly method to extract these valuable minerals that are used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products," said Sarma Pisupati, professor of energy and mineral engineering and director of the Center for Critical Minerals at Penn State.

According to Penn State, rare earth elements - a group of 17 minerals used in advanced technologies – have been designated as critical to the economic and national security of the US, which imports nearly 100 per cent of these materials. China produces about 85 per cent of the world supply.

AMD from coal mining operations in Appalachia are said to representsa promising domestic source of rare earth elements because it often contains high concentrations of the minerals, and because it is already being collected and treated due to environmental concerns.