But this toxic waste may also be a treasure trove for the rare earth elements needed to propel the world toward clean energy. Coal ash from the Appalachian Basin contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements, but only 30% can be extracted. “Strong acids and bases are needed to extract rare earth elements. There are currently more than 2 billion tons of coal ash stored across the US, according to the Department of Energy. “There is no indication that future reliance upon coal ash as a feedstock for critical materials will incentivize coal power,” said a DOE spokesperson.

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Persons: Bridget Scanlon, ”, “ We’re, ” Scanlon, “, Davin Bagdonas, Wade Payne, Justin L, Fowler, Paul Ziemkiewicz, Ziemkiewicz, Biden, Jennifer Granholm, Scanlon, ” Scalon Organizations: CNN, University of Texas, UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences, International Energy Agency, University of Wyoming, TVA, USA, Water Research, West Virginia University, ”, Department of Energy, DOE Locations: United States, Austin, California, China, TVA Kingston, Harriman , Tennessee, Springfield , Illinois, Wyoming, Montana