Researchers at West Virginia University are pioneering a project to recover valuable rare earth elements from abandoned coal mines in Appalachia. These elements are important to support the clean energy transition and reduce environmental pollution.
The initiative aligns with federal efforts to secure a domestic supply of critical minerals and create new economic opportunities.
The team is working on extracting rare earth elements from groundwaters flowing out of abandoned coal mines in Appalachia.
The pilot project, located in West Virginia, uses innovative technology to recover valuable metals like yttrium, neodymium, and gadolinium, essential for electric vehicle motors, rechargeable batteries, and fighter jets.
Led by Paul Ziemkiewicz, director of the Water Research Institute, the initiative aims to transform harmful coal mine drainage into a source of critical minerals while cleaning up pollutants.
This project is part of a broader federal effort, fueled by President Biden’s 2021 infrastructure law, to secure a domestic supply of rare earth elements and promote clean energy.
The Department of Energy is investing in similar projects across the country. Notably, a facility in North Dakota processes coal from lignite mining to extract germanium and gallium, used in semiconductors and solar panels. These efforts seek to establish commercially viable operations and reduce the U.S.’s reliance on Chinese-controlled supplies.
In Pennsylvania, efforts are being made to treat polluted waterways and revitalize coal towns through similar projects. The Jeddo mine tunnel system, a significant pollution source, is earmarked for potential development. The overarching goal is to create jobs in clean energy and mitigate long-standing environmental damage from coal mining.
These initiatives align with the Biden administration’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance national security by establishing a stable supply of critical metals, and support auto-based communities through grants for electric vehicle manufacturing.
The administration has awarded nearly $2 billion to carmakers like General Motors and Fiat Chrysler to advance EV manufacturing, fostering union jobs and supporting economic growth in key states.
