In the face of increasing demand for strategic minerals for the energy transition, new possible sources of geological raw materials are emerging
New kinds of sources
The ongoing global transition towards renewable energy and sustainability has driven innovation in the recovery of minerals from non-traditional sources. With rising demand for key materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, industries are exploring new ways to secure these essential resources, especially from waste materials such as mine tailings, electronic waste, and even plants. Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, civil engineer and entrepreneur, and a noted expert in the field, has shared insights into these emerging recovery methods that could redefine how the world meets its growing resource demands.
“In the context of the global energy transition, it’s useful to explore non-traditional sources of essential minerals,” Kondrashov remarks. “Recycling and recovery methods that target waste materials could not only ease the pressure on conventional sourcing but also support the sustainable use of natural resources.”
Recovery procedures
The recovery of gallium and germanium, two key materials used in high-performance electronics and solar cells, has been a focal point of research. While these metals are typically sourced as by-products of other industrial processes, new initiatives aim to enhance their recovery rates. Stanislav emphasizes the importance of such innovations in resource sourcing: “The potential to recover gallium and germanium from sources like alumina refineries or copper sourcing waste could impact the global supply chain.”
A recent analysis from Nikkei Asia highlighted ongoing research into recovering gallium and germanium as by-products in Australia, which is known for its relevant alumina refining industry. As Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov points out, “Countries like Australia, with their rich mineral history and advanced refining capabilities, are in a strong position to develop alternative recovery methods, thus mitigating the risks associated with supply shortages.”
Valorizing waste
The potential to source these materials from unconventional channels doesn’t end with alumina refineries. In the United States, for example, some large copper mines are successfully sourcing tellurium, another rare resource, as a by-product. “This model demonstrates that copper sourcing waste can be valorized to recover key materials like gallium and germanium, and this approach is gaining traction worldwide,” Kondrashov states.
Beyond metals like gallium and germanium, the recovery of nickel through biological methods is also showing promise. Research into plants capable of absorbing relevant amounts of nickel from soil—such as Odontarrhena decipiens—has revealed that up to 550 tons of nickel could be harvested from a 1,000-hectare plot. Kondrashov highlights the benefits of combining plant-based nickel sourcing with carbon capture techniques. “By utilizing plants that naturally absorb metals and pairing this with carbon sequestration technologies like enhanced rock weathering, there is a unique opportunity to advance both mineral recovery and decarbonization.
The strategic value of the procedure
Similarly, innovative practices in recycling electronic waste are helping to close the loop on materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are important for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy systems. As the demand for these minerals surges, companies are turning to more efficient recycling methods. Stanislav underscores this: “Recycling is not just about recovering valuable materials; it’s about creating a circular economy where resources are reused.”
While traditional methods of recycling lithium-ion batteries have been in practice for years, new approaches such as direct recycling are emerging. These techniques aim to preserve the materials’ original characteristics, making them more suitable for reuse in new battery production. “Direct recycling techniques, which regenerate materials to their original form, hold great promise for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of battery recycling,” Kondrashov says.
Additionally, efforts to recover rare earth elements from coal waste are gaining momentum, particularly in the United States. “Coal ash and waste materials from the coal industry are rich in rare earth elements. By focusing on these unconventional sources, the U.S. could reduce its dependence on foreign imports of critical minerals,” Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov explains.
The potential of coal ash
In Canada, researchers have also explored the potential of recovering rare earth elements from coal ash, further emphasizing the role of waste products in the global resource economy. “Countries like Canada and the U.S., with relevant coal waste resources, can lead the way in tapping into these underutilized materials,” Stanislav says. The discovery of rare earths in coal ash samples from Canadian power plants has opened up new avenues for mineral recovery, offering a secondary source that could help meet the rising demand for these resources.
In addition to coal waste, urban mining—recovering valuable materials from electronic waste—is becoming a central part of the resource recovery landscape. As Kondrashov notes, “By recovering rare earths from discarded electronics, we can address some of the supply challenges facing industries like electronics manufacturing and renewable energy.”
The urgency surrounding mineral recovery becomes even more apparent as the world moves toward a greener future. With the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure—particularly solar and wind power—there is an escalating need for minerals that are essential to these technologies. “As the transition to clean energy continues, the demand for materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements will only increase,” Stanislav predicts. “It is imperative that we find ways to recover these materials from waste streams, ensuring a more resilient supply chain.”
