Article

2025-03-19 Science & Technology

$8.4 Billion: Enormous Cache of Rare Earth Elements Discovered in America

[SciTechDaily ] ...Coal ash, the powdery residue left after burning coal for fuel, has accumulated across the United States for decades. New research from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that this vast supply contains enough rare earth elements to significantly strengthen the nation’s reserves without the need for additional mining.

"This really exemplifies the ’trash to treasure’ mantra," said co-lead author Bridget Scanlon, a research professor at UT’s Bureau of Economic Geology at the Jackson School of Geosciences. "We’re basically trying to close the cycle and use waste and recover resources in the waste, while at the same time reducing environmental impacts."

Rare earth elements, a group of 17 critical materials, are essential for modern technology and the transition to lower-carbon energy. They are key components in solar panels, batteries, magnets, and other advanced energy technologies.

Currently, the United States depends almost entirely on imports for its rare earth supply, with about 75% coming from China. This reliance raises concerns due to global supply chain complexities and geopolitical tensions.

Posted by Grom the Affective 2025-03-19 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11155 views ] Top

#1 So, ah ... burning coal is good?

Trump Pledges a U.S. Coal Renaissance

Posted by Skidmark 2025-03-19 00:11|| 2025-03-19 00:11|| Front Page Top

#2

Have to ask the obvious question.
Are we being played again?

Posted by NN2N1 2025-03-19 06:14|| 2025-03-19 06:14|| Front Page Top

#3 Flyash Liberation Army: "Hey! What about us?"

Posted by Frank G 2025-03-19 08:03|| 2025-03-19 08:03|| Front Page Top

#4 Does anybody still remember the "peak oil" hysteria?

Posted by European Conservative 2025-03-19 11:37|| 2025-03-19 11:37|| Front Page Top

#5 Too bad we made cement out of must of it.

Posted by Super Hose 2025-03-19 19:16|| 2025-03-19 19:16|| Front Page Top

#6 Nah, we shipped it to China and THEY made cement out of it…

Posted by Glenmore 2025-03-19 20:09|| 2025-03-19 20:09|| Front Page Top

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