Startup Turns Mining Waste Into Critical Metals

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology reported that mining company Phoenix Tailings is scaling a process for extracting rare earth metals from mining waste.

Preventing National Security Challenges

The Biden administration expects a surge in demand for rare earth metals, which are critical for magnets used in electric vehicle motors, solar panels, and wind farms. However, China currently refines approximately 60% of these materials globally, which the administration warns could lead to economic and national security challenges. 

Targeting Reserves in the U.S.

Phoenix Tailings’ method looks to address the large amounts of unused rare earth metals in the U.S. that are buried in toxic mining waste. The process uses recyclable solvents and water to gather oxidized metal, places the metal into molten salt, and applies electricity.

According to Phoenix Tailings, the pilot production site is the only facility that produces rare earth metals without carbon emissions or toxic byproducts. The company offsets the electricity used with renewable energy contracts.

Using DOE Funding

Phoenix Tailings received about $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, which the company said would support a second facility and a broader range of rare earth metals. The company aims to produce over 3,000 tons of these materials by 2026.

Image credit: Phoenix Tailings