Metalplant, a new US phytomining startup, aims to provide nickel for the EV battery supply chain while avoiding the environmental impacts of mining. Phytomining refers to the practice of harvesting plants for their metal content, and the US Department of Energy has recognized its potential for developing a homegrown, plant-based EV battery supply chain.
Image: Phytomining can yield new sources of nickel for the EV battery supply chain while avoiding the environmental impacts of mining .
Other metals may be targeted eventually, but if phytomining ever becomes a standard feature in the EV battery supply chain, nickel is the low-hanging fruit. The geography of Albania is rich in serpentine soils that are ideal for plant-based nickel extraction. The metal content inhibits their suitability for growing food crops, providing an opportunity to grow non-food crops without interfering with food systems.
If all this sounds like an awful lot of work, it is. On its own, the nickel recovery operation would be a money-loser. The value of carbon capture supports the operation, with the nickel providing a side benefit while avoiding the environmental impacts of nickel mining. After the plants are harvested, dried, and broken down by pyrolysis, contaminants and other elements are filtered out. “The remaining solution is precipitated to nickel sulfate salts, which can then be used in EV manufacturing, or be melted down nickel metalloids for use in steel making,” Matzner explained.
US Phytomining Startup Nickel EV Battery Supply Chain Environmental Impacts Mining Metalplant Plants Metal Content US Department Of Energy Homegrown Plant-Based
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