Nickel, a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, is experiencing unprecedented demand. Despite its long history, the mining industry has consistently faced community resistance, often centered on environmental concerns. New mining technologies may help diversify the supply of critical metals and potentially offer alternatives to traditional mines?
Phytoplankton may hold the key to unlocking a sustainable future for energy storage, with some experts suggesting that harvesting microalgae could be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods. The company recognizes the imperative for pioneering, transparent innovations in mining practices that deviate significantly from existing industry standards. Phytomining is a chief instance. “It’s a somewhat far-fetched notion,” Kim remarks.
Approximately 750 plant species have been categorised as hyperaccumulators, a rare trait where they selectively absorb and store massive amounts of metal ions within their cellular structure, notes Dr. Kim. The crops, having developed an ability to absorb and process these metals along with essential vitamins present in the soil, have evolved to thrive in their presence.
More than two-thirds of the species identified are capable of soaking up and focusing on metals, with a particular affinity for nickel. While excessive nickel concentrations can be toxic to crops, certain species have evolved to flourish in nickel-rich soils, which are prevalent in areas where geological processes have brought the metal to the surface.
In hyperaccumulators, the nickel content in plant tissues remains relatively low, typically equivalent to just one milligram per gram of dried plant material. While burning a dried plant may seem counterintuitive, it can surprisingly yield an ash containing approximately 25% nickel, with some instances reaching percentages this large.
With a vast array of nickel-tolerant crops to explore and the metal’s critical role in powering innovative technologies, researchers initially dedicated significant attention to understanding its properties.
Although crops have an initial advantage over nickel mining, it would not be feasible to initiate large-scale industrial activities utilizing them at present. The most environmentally friendly hyperaccumulators have been found to yield 50-100 kilograms of nickel per hectare per year, according to Kim’s research. Will a single mine yield sufficient metallic ore to satisfy simple demand on a common basis, or does it necessitate the acquisition of extra land akin to that required for a standard-sized soccer field? The program aims to boost yields to a minimum of 250 kilograms per hectare, seeking to improve economic viability through enhanced mining prospects.
The seven initiatives being funded aim to expand manufacturing capabilities in various ways. Researchers seek out species that exhibit significantly enhanced nickel accumulation compared to previously identified organisms. One potential contender for sustainable land use is vetiver, a perennial grass renowned for its impressive root depth. Researchers identify the microbe’s ability to accumulate metals like lead, making it a promising candidate for cleaning up contaminated sites, notes Dr. [Last Name], a biologist at Michigan Technological University and leader of one such initiative.
