INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Seaweed mining is emerging as an innovative method to extract rare earth elements (REEs) and platinum group metals (PGMs).These are critical
sustainable alternative to traditional mining.At the forefront of this research are institutions like the University of Alaska Fairbanks and
the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.Seaweed as a Source of Rare Earth Metals
is rich in natural deposits and has the potential for seaweed cultivation that could capture runoff minerals without the environmental
impact of traditional mining.Developing non-destructive extraction methods is crucial
Researchers are exploring how to use metal chelator molecules to selectively bind and extract minerals without harming the seaweed.This
allows it to be reused for other commercial purposes like biofuels, food, or bioplastics.Despite its potential, seaweed mining is still in
Complex extraction processes and technological innovation are crucial, requiring significant breakthroughs to realize their full
potential.However, this shift toward seaweed as a source of critical minerals represents a broader effort to diversify and secure mineral
supply chains for the global green energy transition.It aims to reduce reliance on traditional, often environmentally damaging mining
methods.For those interested in the ongoing advancements and challenges in the field of algal mining, more detailed information is
available.In short, it can be accessed through ARPA-E and Hakai Magazine
These sources provide comprehensive coverage of the latest research developments.
