Meanwhile in China. China has installed coal capacity at record pace. In 2024 alone, China started building 94 gigawatts of coal capacity. They have no intention to stop using coal for energy and other uses.
Getting REEs from coal probably won't be profitable, but even if it just breaks even, it would be worthwhile if it makes us less reliable on China. We do need more REEs.
Meanwhile in China. China has installed coal capacity at record pace. In 2024 alone, China started building 94 gigawatts of coal capacity. They have no intention to stop using coal for energy and other uses.
Getting REEs from coal probably won't be profitable, but even if it just breaks even, it would be worthwhile if it makes us less reliable on China. We do need more REEs.
Penn State is cutting edge on technology to recover rare earths from coal waste. Right here in PA!
https://www.psu.edu/impact/story/transforming-coal-mine-waste/
I wrote about this mine recently. It's receiving a lot of attention, but there are a lot of questions about its actual potential. https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/energy/wyoming-rare-earth-mine-touted-americas-first-70-years-isnt-economically