Interestingly, rare earth elements (REEs) are being found in unexpected places, like coal-adjacent formations in Utah and Colorado. A recent study by the University of Utah reveals elevated REE concentrations in fine-grain shale and siltstone layers near coal seams in active mines along the Uinta coal belt.

These findings open the door for existing coal mines to become dual-resource operations, potentially extracting valuable REEs alongside coal. While the coal itself contains minimal REEs, surrounding formations showed concentrations exceeding 200 parts per million (ppm), the threshold for potential economic viability as defined by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The study, part of the DOE’s CORE-CM project, involved analyzing over 11,000 samples from active mines, waste piles, and drilling cores. Researchers used portable X-ray fluorescence devices for field readings and mass spectrometry for in-depth lab analysis. Initial results indicate significant REE enrichment in coal-adjacent rock layers, particularly in fine-grain mudstones above and below coal seams.

These findings could mark a turning point for U.S. resource independence. REEs are critical for renewable energy applications, including wind turbines and electric vehicles, yet most are currently imported. Leveraging domestic coal mining infrastructure to extract REEs could reduce reliance on international supply chains, support clean energy technologies, and provide additional revenue streams for mining regions.

Next steps include estimating the total volume of extractable REEs and refining sustainable extraction methods. Researchers are also investigating how these elements became concentrated in coal-adjacent formations, likely linked to volcanic ash deposits or organic material in ancient peat bogs.

Apex Magnets

If you’re curious about how coal mining could support clean energy technologies, stay tuned to our blog. We explore topics like REE applications in renewable energy, advanced magnet technologies, and the role of neodymium magnets in the energy transition. Visit our website to learn more, and feel free to contact us with any questions about our selection of permanent magnets.