Optimizing the recovery of rare earth elements

Optimizing the recovery of rare earth elements

As demand for rare earth elements increases, the United States is strengthening its domestic supply chain. Ana Inés Torres is working to identify economical processes that will minimize environmental impacts.

How this coal company could help break U.S. dependence on China for rare earths

The discovery of a trove of rare earth elements is potentially a major turn of fortunes for this small mining company.

The separation of rare earths is necessary at the mine as well as at the end of life of objects. A start-up uses in particular the magnetic properties of these metals to simplify the long, fossil-dependent conventional process.