UAF Researchers Participate in $6 Million Initiative to Mine Critical Minerals from Coal Byproducts

Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) are engaged in a pioneering effort to repurpose coal waste into critical minerals. This initiative is part of a $6 million project funded by the National Science Foundation, which leverages microorganisms and artificial intelligence to streamline the extraction process. The ongoing legacy of coal mining and usage in Alaska has left behind significant amounts of dust and ash, which UAF scientists now view as a valuable resource.

Microbial extraction methods are employed to avoid the use of harsh chemicals or heavy machinery, utilizing microscopic organisms that can bind with valuable minerals found in coal byproducts. AI models will assist in identifying which materials yield the highest mineral recovery and will help optimize the conditions under which harvesting occurs. According to Srijan Aggarwal, UAF professor of environmental engineering, this project represents a logical extension of their ongoing research and holds significant implications for workforce development and the local economy.