In a groundbreaking effort to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign nations for critical minerals, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched an innovative program to extract these essential resources from coal waste.
The initiative, which was announced on a recent date, aims to capitalize on the vast amounts of coal waste accumulated over the years, transforming it into a valuable source of critical minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt.
According to experts, this pioneering approach not only promises to bolster the nation’s energy security but also has the potential to create new job opportunities and stimulate local economies. The DOE’s move is seen as a significant step forward in the quest to develop a more sustainable and self-sufficient critical minerals supply chain.
Original news story via Metal Tech News.