Potential Rare Earth Element Resources from Wyoming Coal and Coal Ash

Learn about the extraction potential of rare earth elements (REEs) from Wyoming's coal deposits and coal ash in this 49-minute lecture by David Bagdonas from the Bureau of Economic Geology. Explore the geological characteristics and economic viability of REE recovery from Powder River Basin and Wind River Basin coal resources, examining both raw coal materials and coal combustion byproducts as alternative sources for these critical minerals. Discover the analytical methods used to assess REE concentrations, the challenges and opportunities in coal-based REE extraction, and the implications for domestic rare earth element supply chains. Gain insights into Wyoming's coal geology, the distribution patterns of rare earth elements within different coal seams, and the technological approaches being developed to make coal ash a viable source for these strategically important materials.