Millions of tons of coal ash, a byproduct of coal mining, are stored in ponds and landfills across the United States, posing environmental risks. However, recent research suggests that these coal ash deposits could be a hidden resource for critical minerals vital to modern technology. A study from the University of Texas at Austin found that U.S. coal ash could contain up to 11 million tons of rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for products like batteries, solar panels, and high-performance magnets. If accurate, this amount is nearly eight times the country’s current REE reserves and could be worth over \$8 billion.

The discovery is being hailed as a significant opportunity to reshape global supply chains, especially in light of the United States’ dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals. China dominates the production and refining of these materials, providing a large share of the world’s cobalt, nickel, lithium, and REEs, all essential to electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. This dependency has made the U.S. vulnerable to supply disruptions, especially as trade tensions and protectionist policies escalate.

Extracting critical minerals from domestic coal ash could help reduce this reliance on China, although challenges remain. The concentration and extractability of REEs vary depending on the source of the coal ash. For instance, ash from the Appalachian Basin has higher REE concentrations but lower recovery rates, while ash from the Powder River Basin has lower concentrations but higher extractability, making it more economically viable. This means careful selection of coal ash sources will be essential for an effective recovery strategy.

Developing the technology and infrastructure to refine critical minerals from coal ash could bring significant economic and environmental advantages. Experts point out that modifying existing treatment processes can both address national security concerns and help remediate environmental hazards posed by coal ash ponds. This dual benefit offers the U.S. an opportunity to turn waste into a valuable resource, reduce environmental risks, and increase energy independence.