¿Tierras raras verdes gracias a bacterias del roble?

Rare earths are located directly next to each other in the periodic table. Analogously, they are also found in ore only in associated form. Before industry can use these scarce raw materials, they must first be separated through complex and often environmentally harmful processes. Thanks to a protein developed by a research group at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State for short), the separation process could soon become simpler and more environmentally friendly.

The researchers had discovered a special protein in the bacterium Hansschlegelia quercus, which lives on oak buds, that metabolizes rare earths. The protein, called lanmodulin, distinguishes between light and heavy rare earths. While it forms a very strong bond with light elements such as neodymium oxide, it reacts only very weakly to heavy dysprosium oxide, for example. The reason for these significant differences in binding strength is the varying sizes of the respective metal atoms. When a solution of the metals is passed over immobilized lanmodulins, the different elements are retained to varying degrees and migrate at different speeds.

The researchers at Penn State have patented their discovery. So far, they can only separate light and heavy rare earths. Soon, however, they also intend to separate elements that are directly adjacent in the periodic table. Once the technology is mature, it would make many American and European mining projects profitable. This would not only represent a major step toward independence from China, but also green-produced rare earths.

It will certainly take some time before this becomes reality. In the meantime, investors need not forgo rare earths at all. An investment promises attractive return opportunities in view of the certainly rising prices.