In US, rare earths extracted from coal mine wastewater
The pilot could yield 4 tons of rare earth oxides a year, with 45% classified as heavy rare earths, researchers said.
- On August 12, 2026, West Virginia University researchers demonstrated a pilot plant in Mount Storm, West Virginia, extracting rare earth elements from acidic wastewater at a retired coal mine while simultaneously cleaning the environment.
- The United States currently lacks domestic "front end feedstock" for high-tech manufacturing, relying on China for rare earths, said Mark Gavin, WVU vice provost, noting domestic supplies yield only "light" elements.
- WVU engineer David Hoffman estimates expanding the process could produce 300 tonnes annually, meeting seven to eight per cent of global demand for critical "heavy" rare earths used in magnets and defense systems.
- Though questioning the project's commercial viability, rare earth extraction specialist Tommee Larochelle stated it could "ensure minimum supply to the defense industry," with a startup already partnering with REalloys to process extracted rare earths.
- To build a significant domestic supply source, WVU is mulling a wider rollout to more sites, as this technique eliminates the need for new mines by recovering minerals naturally dissolved in toxic coal mine runoff.
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Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayAmerica looks to polluted mine water to loosen China’s rare earth grip
MOUNT STORM, Aug 22 — In the Appalachian region of West Virginia, reddish water flowing from abandoned coal mines is acidic, laden with heavy metals and toxic to the environment.But the same polluted water also contains rare earths, valuable minerals used in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to drones and fighter jets.Researchers at West Virginia University (WVU) believe the wastewater could help the United States reduce its depe…
The Economic Times
In US, rare earths extracted from coal mine wastewater
West Virginia University researchers are extracting valuable rare earth elements from acidic mine drainage. This process cleans up environmental pollution while recovering critical minerals. These elements are essential for high-tech products and clean energy technologies. The United States seeks to reduce its reliance on China for these vital resources. This initiative aims to bolster domestic supply chains for defense and industry.
They are used to make very resistant magnets, used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, but also drones or combat aircraft.This strategic resource is at the heart of the rivalry between...
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