[SMM Flash News: Australia Plans to Convert Ash into Rare Earth Metals] An innovative initiative in Australia reveals that by transforming coal gangue, the country could potentially double its rare earth metal inventory without opening new mines. A research team from Monash University has unveiled a novel method: extracting metals from the ash emitted by coal-fired power stations, an approach that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Due to Australia's stringent environmental regulations, miners often face restrictions as many rare earth materials are found near radioactive metals, forcing them to ship the materials overseas for processing. However, Professor Sankar Bhattacharya from Monash University has proposed a solution. By employing environmentally benign acids to break down the ash, metals are dissolved into a liquid state, which are then separated and purified to obtain specific elements—a technique first introduced in 2015.

Although the exact timeline for commercializing this project remains uncertain, researchers have already designed a plant capable of processing up to 1,000 liters of material and are seeking funding from both private and government sources. It is estimated that up to 45,000 mt of rare earth metals could be recovered annually from coal ash alone, surpassing more than double Australia's rare earth production in 2021.