Alta Resource: E-Waste Recycling for Rare Earth Metals

The Critical Role of Rare Earth Metals

While largely unfamiliar to most individuals, rare earth metals are integral components in a vast array of modern products. Elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, and cerium, despite not being inherently scarce, are geographically concentrated and pose significant refining challenges.

Unique Properties and Applications

These metals possess distinctive electrical and magnetic characteristics, making them indispensable in the manufacturing of electronics like hard drives and headphones. Furthermore, certain rare earths serve as crucial contrast agents utilized in MRI and CT scans. Their value is substantial, with many selling for tens of thousands of dollars per metric ton.

China's Dominance and Geopolitical Implications

In recent times, China has established itself as the primary refiner of rare earth elements. This position allows the Chinese Communist Party to leverage these materials as strategic assets in trade negotiations, particularly with the United States.

According to Nathan Ratledge, co-founder and CEO of Alta Resource Technologies, “Historically, almost none of them are produced in the U.S.,” despite a typical annual global production of 330,000 to 350,000 tons.

National Security Concerns

The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes the vulnerability inherent in this reliance and has prioritized securing a domestic supply of these critical elements as a key component of its industrial strategy.

Ratledge emphasizes the potential for disruption, stating, “China can very easily weaponize this critical mineral supply.” The ramifications extend beyond defense, potentially impacting major companies like Nvidia and Apple, as evidenced by existing export restrictions.

A Potential Solution: E-Waste Recycling

Currently, the U.S. operates only one rare earth mine, located in California, which has faced operational difficulties. However, an alternative source exists within the substantial volume of electronic waste generated annually within the country.

Alta Resource Technologies' Innovative Approach

Alta Resource Technologies asserts it has developed a more efficient method for extracting rare earth elements from low-grade sources, moving away from traditional refining techniques that often rely on environmentally harmful chemicals and multi-step processes.

Instead, the company employs a series of specifically engineered proteins designed to selectively bind to rare earth elements, regardless of whether they originate from virgin ore or discarded electronics.

The Power of Biological Selectivity

“It’s hard for chemicals to differentiate between neighboring elements on the periodic table,” Ratledge explains. “When things are more complex, biology tends to shine because of the selectivity.”

These proteins are affixed to a resin and incorporated into a column. Solutions containing rare earth elements are then passed through the column, allowing the proteins to capture the desired metals. Once saturated, the column is flushed to release the purified metals. Remarkably, these proteins have demonstrated considerable durability.

Pilot Plant and Funding

The company intends to construct a pilot-scale plant this year, approximately the size of a shipping container. Ratledge expresses confidence that the federal government will contribute to the funding of this project.

To facilitate technology refinement and scaling, Alta has secured a $5.1 million seed round, led by DCVC and Voyager Ventures, with participation from Orion Industrial Ventures, Overture, and WovenEarth Ventures. Additionally, the startup has received approximately $1 million in grant funding from DARPA and the state of Colorado.

A Path Towards Domestic Production

While a complete reversal of rare earth refining back to the U.S. will take time, Ratledge remains optimistic about Alta’s ability to contribute to a more secure supply chain.

“To de-risk some of the core national security concerns, you don’t need hundreds of thousands of tons. You’re talking single-digit-thousands of tons. Being able to meet those needs for the U.S. government is a near-term opportunity for us and other people like us,” Ratledge concludes.