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Researchers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have created a method to extract rare earth elements from coal mine waste, such as overburden rock and coal ash. Led by professors Venkataramana Gadhamshetty and Purushotham Tukkaraja, the project aims to convert environmental liabilities into valuable resources.

Funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of the Interior, the research focuses on Wyoming coal mines, targeting elements like yttrium, dysprosium, and gadolinium, essential for technologies in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military applications. Findings will be presented to experts on February 11.