Scientists Explore Fungi for Rare Earths
In Austria, scientists at the University of Vienna are experimenting with fungi to extract rare earth elements. These elements, including dysprosium, yttrium, and scandium, are crucial for batteries, magnets, and renewable energy devices.
Fungi grow in networks called mycelia. These tiny root-like strands spread through soil or clay, absorbing nutrients—and sometimes valuable minerals. Researchers hope to use fungi to draw up rare earths in a process they call mycomining.
Why Rare Earths Matter
Although called “rare,” these elements are not scarce. They are scattered across the Earth, usually in low concentrations. Extracting enough to meet industrial demand is challenging. Currently, China controls about 70% of rare earth mining and 90% of processing. Other nations, including the US, are exploring ways to produce these materials domestically.
From Labs to Industrial Scale
Alexander Bismarck and Mitchell Jones envision large-scale applications. Fungi could one day recover rare earths from contaminated land or industrial sites. Harvested fungi could even produce biogas, with rare earths later extracted from the ash. However, concentrations in fungi are lower than in industrial waste, making the method supplemental rather than a replacement for traditional mining.
Oona Snoeyenbos-West at the University of Arizona is also studying fungi for bioremediation and mineral recovery. Some fungi found on industrial sites may already be adapted to absorb high levels of rare earths and copper.
Looking at Waste Differently
Environmental experts like Julie Klinger highlight the potential in industrial waste. A 2025 study found critical minerals, including rare earths, already exist in large piles of discarded material in the US. “If we look at waste with fresh eyes, we see a different picture of scarcity and abundance,” she explains.
French firm Rhodia once extracted rare earths from fluorescent bulbs, though the rise of LED lighting has reduced available waste for this method. Still, scientists believe alternative methods like fungi mining and waste recovery could supplement supply and reduce the need for disruptive mining operations.
Future Prospects
While promising, fungi mining faces challenges. Large-scale fungal growth may alter ecosystems and the recovery process is slower than conventional methods. Still, scientists argue it’s a step toward sustainable extraction of rare earths without harming the environment.
