America discovered a treasure of rare elements in a pile of ash, Trump is overjoyed, worth $ 8.4 billion
America has found rare earth elements worth billions of dollars in a pile of coal ash. It is used in everything from smartphones to renewable energy technologies. This discovery is expected to solve many problems of America at once. The treasure of this rare earth element present with America is estimated to be worth $ 8.4 billion.
Washington: America, one of the biggest superpowers in the world, has found a treasure worth billions of dollars. This treasure was hidden in the ground for years. America had unknowingly buried this treasure in a pile of coal ash. Currently, the value of this treasure is estimated to be $ 8.4 billion. This treasure is nothing but rare earth elements, which are used in everything from smartphones to renewable energy technologies. For years, America has been dependent on imports of rare earth elements. But now this worry of his is about to end.
Estimated worth $8.4 billion
According to InterestingEngineering.com, the US has found rare earth elements worth $8.4 billion in coal ash landfills. This discovery has been made by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. They have made a startling discovery of these essential elements in America’s coal ash reserves. This is a discovery that can significantly reduce America’s dependence on imports of rare earth elements. Apart from this, this discovery can give a new look to America’s approach to the source of important minerals.
These elements are present in coal ash
Coal ash is a powder-like product left after burning coal for fuel. It has long been considered an industrial waste product. However, scientists have now identified coal ash as an abundant and accessible source of rare earth elements. These elements are important in the manufacture of batteries, solar panels and high-performance magnets. This can also benefit developing countries like India and China, as coal ash is available in abundance in these countries.
Experts are calling it an example of ‘waste to treasure’
Bridget Scanlon, co-lead author of the study and research professor at the Bureau of Economic Zoology in Austin, said, “This is really an example of the ‘waste to treasure’ mantra.” She also added, “We’re basically trying to close the loop and use the waste and recover the resources in the waste, while at the same time minimizing environmental impacts.”
The US has 11 million tons of coal ash
The study estimates that U.S. coal ash contains 11 million tons of rare earth elements. This is about eight times the country’s known domestic reserves. This is the first national assessment of coal ash as a resource, which presents a new way to strengthen America’s supply of critical minerals. Unlike traditional mining, coal ash extraction has a major advantage. The burning process has already separated the minerals from their original ore. This reduces the need for energy-intensive refining steps.