China Losing Its Dominance Over Rare Earths Minerals? A US Discovery Offers New Hope

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 14:21 IST

Scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements like neodymium from US coal tailings, potentially reducing reliance on China and boosting domestic supply

Among the elements recovered through this method is neodymium, a critical component in high-strength magnets. (Representational image)

As the world scrambles to secure supplies of rare earth elements, critical components in smartphones, electric vehicles and advanced military hardware, US researchers have reported a breakthrough that could reshape the global supply chain long dominated by China.

Scientists at Northeastern University have developed a new technique to extract rare earth elements from coal mining waste, commonly known as coal tailings. The method, researchers say, is nearly three times more efficient than existing extraction processes and could unlock vast reserves of valuable minerals from material long considered an environmental liability.

The United States has accumulated enormous quantities of coal waste near mining sites over decades. While these tailings have occasionally been used in construction or simply discarded, they are now being viewed as a potential strategic resource. Estimates suggest that around 600 kilotonnes of rare earth elements could be recovered from approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of coal waste, a figure that could significantly bolster domestic supply.

The newly developed process involves two key stages. In the first, coal tailings are treated with an alkaline solution and heated using microwaves. This is followed by a nitric acid treatment that separates rare earth elements from the surrounding rock. According to the researchers, the combination of microwave heating and alkaline exposure alters the internal structure of the waste material, increasing its porosity and allowing acids to extract the elements more efficiently. Previous techniques struggled to overcome the tight bonding between rare earth elements and soil minerals.

Among the elements recovered through this method is neodymium, a critical component in high-strength magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and a range of advanced technologies. With global demand for neodymium rising sharply amid the transition to cleaner energy, the ability to produce it domestically could reduce US dependence on foreign supply chains, strengthening both economic resilience and national security.

Despite its promise, the technique is not without challenges. Researchers caution that scaling up the process for industrial use will be costly and technically complex. Variations in the composition of coal waste across different states may also require site-specific adjustments. Scientists note that the project’s viability could improve further if additional valuable elements, such as magnesium, can be recovered alongside rare earths.

The findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Science & Technology, and researchers say further work will focus on improving efficiency and assessing large-scale feasibility.

News world China Losing Its Dominance Over Rare Earths Minerals? A US Discovery Offers New Hope

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