Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana officials are advancing efforts to make the state a national leader in rare earth mineral recovery, following approval of a new report by the Indiana Rare Earth Recovery Council, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The council, created under an executive order by Gov. Mike Braun, approved the report outlining how Indiana could extract rare earth elements and other critical minerals from coal byproducts. These materials are essential components in electronic, medical, and military technologies.
State officials said the initiative is aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on China, which currently dominates global rare earth mineral production and processing. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, China accounts for roughly 70 percent of global rare earth production and about 90 percent of processing capacity.
Indiana is among the nation’s top coal-producing states, positioning it to recover critical minerals from legacy coal waste and byproducts. The council’s work focuses on reclaiming these materials while also addressing environmental impacts from former coal sites.
Gov. Braun said the initiative brings together federal, state, academic, and industry experts to develop a strategy that supports national security and economic interests. U.S. Geological Survey Director Ned Mamula also praised Indiana’s leadership, citing the importance of rebuilding domestic geology and mineral recovery capabilities.
The report was produced in coordination with the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana University’s Department of Economics. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Indiana Office of Energy Development.
The effort may be especially relevant to students, researchers, and workers in engineering, environmental science, and advanced manufacturing fields.
