How to get rare earths without mining rock

Scientists are exploring innovative ways to extract rare earth elements without traditional mining, turning attention to fungi mining and the untapped potential of giant industrial waste piles. Rare earths, critical for modern technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines, are typically sourced through environmentally destructive mining processes. New methods could reduce ecological impact while meeting growing global demand.

Researchers have discovered that certain fungi species can absorb rare earth elements from soils and waste streams, concentrating them in their fruiting bodies or mycelium. This natural bioaccumulation process, sometimes called “fungi mining,” could provide a low-impact alternative to conventional extraction. Scientists are experimenting with cultivating these fungi on contaminated soils and electronic waste to recover valuable metals such as neodymium, europium, and terbium. Early trials suggest that fungi mining could extract rare earths efficiently while producing minimal chemical waste.

Another avenue involves recovering rare earths from large-scale waste piles, including old mining tailings, coal ash, and discarded electronics. These stockpiles often contain significant concentrations of rare metals, which can be reclaimed using chemical or biological processes. By tapping into these existing resources, researchers aim to reduce the need for new mining operations, cutting both carbon emissions and environmental disruption.

Some studies suggest that combining bioleaching with fungi-assisted extraction could accelerate the recovery of rare earths from waste, making the process more commercially viable. This approach not only addresses supply chain concerns but also helps mitigate environmental hazards associated with toxic tailings and abandoned industrial sites.

The development of alternative rare earth extraction methods could transform global supply chains, reducing reliance on politically sensitive mining regions. For the electronics, automotive, and renewable energy sectors, adopting fungi mining and waste recovery could lower costs, reduce environmental impact, and ensure more sustainable sourcing of these critical metals.

Despite the promise, researchers caution that scaling these methods to industrial levels will require further innovation. Factors such as extraction efficiency, processing speed, and regulatory approval will determine whether fungi mining and waste pile recovery can become mainstream solutions.As demand for rare earth elements continues to surge, scientists and industry leaders are optimistic that alternative methods could supplement or even replace traditional mining. The combination of biotechnology and resource reclamation represents a potentially revolutionary step toward sustainable material sourcing.