Sponsored by The University of Idaho.
The environmental challenges proposed by extracting rare earth elements could potentially be a thing of the past, all thanks to efforts of the University of Idaho. The University is pioneering eco-friendly methods to extract rare earth elements from Idaho soil. The project introduces sustainable methods like phytomining, a process that uses plants to extract metals through their roots. It also introduces anther process called bioleaching that replaces harmful extraction chemicals with organic bacteria.
These are just a few of the incredible developments the U of I is ‘unearthing’ to make rare earth elements more attainable in a way that is also less impactful on our environment. Rare earth elements are valuable for their specific properties that make them perfect for multiple applications in technology. They are used in cell phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, medical devices, wind turbines, and more.