Battelle Demonstrates Protein-Based Method for Rare Earth Element Separation, Addressing U.S. Supply Chain Challenges
Battelle, a U.S.-based independent, nonprofit applied science and technology organization, has successfully demonstrated a novel biotechnology-based solution for processing rare earth elements (REEs). Published in Chemical Science, their research, in collaboration with others, shows that engineered calcium-binding proteins can selectively separate REEs with high purity and yield. This method offers a potential alternative to traditional rare earth processing, which is often complex and costly. The research achieved over 90% purity and yield in single-stage, chelator-free separation of lanthanum and neodymium, while also removing non-rare-earth ions from simulated leachate streams and industrial feedstock. This advancement is crucial as the U.S. focuses on strengthening domestic supply chains for critical minerals essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, consumer electronics, and national security technologies. Dr. Kate Kucharzyk, Battelle's operational biotechnologies research leader, emphasized... 
