Mining
Plan to turn ash into critical metals
Australia could double its rare earth metals stocks without digging a new mine under a plan to turn coal waste into critical minerals. Instead of waiting for new rare earth mines to become operational in 10 to 15 years, Monash University researchers say ash emitted from coal-fired power stations could be used to extract the metals in a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way. “We don’t have to dig up new mines. We can use something that’s already processed and just sitting in landfill,“ Monash engineering researcher Bennet Thomas said.
