Low-energy rare earth extraction from coal waste streams
This technology is a low-temperature chemical process for pulling rare earth elements (REEs) out of coal and coal waste materials, specifically targeting clays within those materials that naturally hold onto REEs. The process works by mixing the coal-derived material with a base and a specially formulated electrolyte solution containing chelating or complexing agents that free the REEs from the clay. Because the entire process runs at or below boiling point (100°C), it avoids the energy-intensive high-temperature roasting steps common in conventional REE extraction, making it cheaper and cleaner to operate. The result is a more accessible pathway to recover valuable REEs from an abundant, often low-cost feedstock — coal byproducts — rather than dedicated mining operations.
What you could build
A modular, low-energy REE extraction system deployable at coal processing sites or ash ponds, sold or licensed to mining companies, coal utilities, or specialty chemical firms seeking to monetize waste streams into critical materials supply chains.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has significant coal production history in Southwest Virginia and active interest in REE recovery from coal byproducts through state and federal programs; energy companies, mining operators, and Virginia Tech's related research ecosystem are plausible stakeholders.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Roe-Hoan YOON, Christopher Aaron NOBLE, Roberto McAlister COUNCIL-TROCHE, Wei LIU
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed June 2, 2023
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20240368734A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.