$8.4 billion in rare earths discovered in U.S. coal ash

Scientists have found $8.4 billion worth of rare earth elements in U.S. coal ash, which could help reduce reliance on imports from China. This discovery highlights coal ash as a valuable resource rather than just waste. The study estimates that U.S. coal ash holds 11 million tons of rare earth elements, significantly more than the country's known reserves. This assessment marks a new approach to securing critical minerals domestically. The findings suggest a potential shift in how the U.S. can source essential materials for technologies like batteries and solar panels, while also addressing environmental concerns related to waste.