Mine for the breakdown of raw materials (symbol image, photo: Freepik, Eyeem)
Austin/Pittburgh – according to researchers of the University of Texas the United States has larger occurrence of rare earths than previously suspected. According to this, around 11 million tons of this metals are said to be in the ash of coal -fired power plants that are stored in landfills. According to the Federal Institute for Geosciences and raw materials With less than 200,000 tons. It should increase to up to 340,000 tons by 2030.
Dependence on China
At the moment, the United States and the largest part of the world’s residual residual care are almost entirely dependent on imports when supplying rare earths. 75 percent of them come from China. Although the salary in the ashes is relatively low compared to the elements obtained from geological deposits, the fact that the ashes are slightly available in large quantities makes them an attractive resource, according to Mitautor Davin Bagdonas from the University of Wyoming. The researchers estimate the value at $ 8.4 billion.
Depending on the place of origin, coal ash contains different amounts of rare earth metals. The place of origin also has an impact on how much can be extracted. For example, coal from the Appalache Basin ashes contains the highest amounts of rare earth metals. On average, it is 431 milligrams per kilogram. But only 30 percent of these valuable materials can be extracted. In contrast, coal from the Powder River Basin at 264 milligrams per kilogram has the lowest average value of rare earth metals, but an extractability of around 70 percent.
Powder River Basin project
Baghonas is already on a pilot project of the National Energy Technology Lab involved in Pittsburgh and in 2 other locations in the United States, in which rare metals from the coal ash of the Powder River Basin are won. Rare earths are required in electronics, in catalysts and in magnets, for example in those of wind generators.
Source: www.pressetext.com
(PTE003/19.03.2025/06: 00)