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Q&A: Tiny spores for a big critical minerals challenge

Q&A: Tiny spores for a big critical minerals challenge
Phys.org Monday 21 September 2026, 15:00 UTC 1 min read
Key Points

Scientists at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are exploring how durable, customizable bacterial spores could capture rare earth elements (REE) from acid mine drainage and other metal-containing waste streams. The project supports new methods of sourcing critical minerals essential for the nation's economic strength and national security.

Scientists at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are exploring how durable, customizable bacterial spores could capture rare earth elements (REE) from acid mine drainage and other metal-containing waste streams. The project supports new methods of sourcing critical minerals essential for the nation's economic strength and national security.
the Department of Energy's (ORG) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORG) ORNL (ORG)
Originally published by Phys.org Read original →

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