Indiana's Opportunity in Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals Paper

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals (CMs) power nearly every advanced technology—from electric vehicles and wind turbines to medical imaging and defense systems. Yet, 60-70% of the global REE production and 90% of global REE separation and processing occurs in China, creating a major supply chain risk. Indiana’s coal legacy means the state holds billions in untapped critical materials locked in coal, paleosols, coal ash, mine and coal preparation plant refuse, acid mine drainage, and shale formations. This report provides evaluation of potential sources of REE-CM in Indiana, their quantity and quality, with the implications for potential mineral recovery. Current REE-CM extraction methods are discussed, with the emphasis on the element recovery from low-grade feedstock. Technological and economic viability of the potential recovery is discussed based on available data from laboratory experiments and pilot-scale projects in the U.S. and worldwide, whereas environmental considerations are discussed within the framework of the current Indiana regulations.