India can reduce its dependence on conventional, environmentally damaging mining of rare earth elements (REEs) by adopting an algal biorefinery approach, according to Laladhas K.P., Director of the Centre for Science in Society and International Biotechnological Applications.In a recent assessment, Laladhas noted that India, despite having significant REE reserves in beach sands and deposits in the Northeast, faces challenges in extraction due to the complex nature of the ores. REEs, critical for electronics, renewable energy, and defence applications, are currently sourced globally from geopolitically sensitive and environmentally intensive mining operations.
Algal mining, he explained, is a novel and environmentally conscious approach that sidesteps many of the issues associated with traditional methods.