Coal Mines Uncover Rare Earth Treasures, Revolutionizing Energy Transition

The discovery of rare earth elements (REE) in coal mines, such as the recent find in Wyoming, could potentially give coal a role in the energy transition. While coal is widely criticized for its environmental impact, the presence of REEs in coal mines offers an opportunity for more sustainable use. REEs are predominantly found in hard rock deposits, making them difficult and expensive to mine and process. However, the unconventional REE deposits in coal mines can be extracted using normal surface mining techniques and processed in a more economic and environmentally friendly manner. These discoveries could be strategically significant as countries seek to reduce their dependence on China, which currently dominates the supply and refining of rare earths.