| Abstract Scope |
The growing demand for advancing technologies made from rare earth elements (REEs), is predicted to reach $2.5 trillion worldwide by 2030. REEs production from ore deposits is beginning to gain momentum in the U.S., which can address national REE supply chain risks. This study aims to design and evaluate a small-scale phytomining REE production process that employs hyperaccumulators, plants that uptake large amounts of minerals, generally metals, without deleterious environmental effects. These plants can produce metal-rich bio-ore year-round and capture carbon dioxide. Particularly, this study uses seven plant species (i.e., alfalfa, mustard, pokeweed, honeycomb sunflower, hybrid 894 sunflower, common mullein, and black nightshade) for collecting REEs (i.e., Nd, Ce, and La) from Idaho-sourced ore deposits. The results show that mustard (brassica juncea) was able to uptake the most REEs (around 2,500 PPM). The outcomes of this study will shape recommendations for U.S. domestic phytomining development and improve REEs supply chain. |