Treasure hidden in coal ash: Rare Earth Elements can change America’s fate.
“Treasure from trash” is no longer just a saying — America’s coal ash is a treasure worth billions of dollars. A new study by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin has revealed that the US has a huge amount of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in the form of coal ash. The estimated value of these elements can be up to $8.4 billion, which can significantly reduce America’s dependence on foreign supplies.
What are Rare Earth Elements and why are they important?
Rare Earth Elements i.e. REEs are very important for modern technology and infrastructure industry. They are used in devices like batteries, solar panels, high-performance magnets and electric vehicle batteries. Their demand is constantly increasing in today’s digital and green technology world.
Coal ash will provide energy independence
When scientists at the University of Texas collected and analyzed coal ash samples from power plants across the country, a shocking truth came to light — America’s coal ash may contain about 11 million tons of REEs. This is 8 times more than the current reserves of the US. Bridget Scanlon, who is the co-leader of this research, says, “This is truly a matter of ‘trash to treasure’. We can not only reduce environmental damage, but also extract essential resources from waste material.” Towards freedom from dependence on China
Currently, the US imports almost 100% of REEs, 80% of which come from China. China is the largest supplier of these important minerals globally — 85-90% of refining, 68% of cobalt, 65% of nickel and 60% of EV-battery-grade lithium comes from there. If the US can meet its domestic needs from coal ash, it will be a big step towards energy security and independence.
But not all ash is the same…
However, not all coal ash has the same amount of REEs. Ash from the Appalachian Basin has the highest amount of REEs – about 431 milligrams per kilogram, but only 30% of it can be easily extracted. On the other hand, ash from the Powder River Basin has only 264 milligrams per kilogram, but 70% of it can be easily extracted. This makes it clear that which ash will be more beneficial from an economic point of view is determined not only by the quantity but also by extractability.
Environmental benefits are also not less
The US produces about 110 million tons of coal ash every year, most of which is deposited in landfills or ponds. These ponds have become a serious threat to the environment – the leakage of toxic elements is polluting land and water. But if essential minerals are extracted from these mountains of ash, then one can kill two birds with one stone:
- Domestic supply of essential resources
- Solution to old environmental problems
Sarma Pisupati, director of Penn State’s Center for Critical Minerals, says, “If we modify the existing treatment process a little, then we can find a solution to many problems simultaneously – security, economy and environment.”
Conclusion: America has a new opportunity
This discovery can prove to be a game changer for America. While on the one hand it opens the way towards economic and strategic independence, on the other hand it points towards a permanent solution to environmental problems. All that is needed is a solid policy and investment from the government and industries, so that this “coal ash to clean tech” transition can be successful.
Now it will be interesting to see how much America takes advantage of this opportunity and whether it is able to really free itself from China’s supply chain or not.