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Rare earth elements could be pulled from coal waste

The scheme would provide valuable metals and help clean up coal mining’s dirty legacy

orange water flows from a mine drain in in Pennsylvania

Coal mining can pollute nearby waterways, creating acidic water rich in heavy metals. Researchers are looking to tap such acid mine drainage (like that shown in western Pennsylvania) for rare earth elements.

NATHANIEL WARNER/NSF

By Erin Wayman

In Appalachia’s coal country, researchers envision turning toxic waste into treasure. The pollution left behind by abandoned mines is an untapped source of rare earth elements.