ENVIRONMENT

Coal mine waste could contain rare earths

A coal mine's waste could be green energy treasure

Critical minerals may be found in commercial quantities in coal waste, according to the CSIRO. Photo: Free Images

Critical minerals may be found in commercial quantities in coal waste, according to the CSIRO. Photo: Free Images

CSIRO research has found that in some places, coal waste may contain a "higher than background" level of rare earth elements and sometimes also lithium – valuable for the energy transition. A CSIRO...

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