Synthetic Biology Approach to Critical Metal Extraction from Waste Electronic Components to Ensure a Robust Supply of Critical Materials for Clean Energy

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Program:
Exploratory Topics
Award:
$500,000
Location:
El Paso, Texas
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
08/24/2022 - 08/23/2024

Technology Description:

Metalx Biocycle aims to enable the recycling of critical metals from electronic waste (e-waste) at a cost that is competitive against extraction via conventional mining. Most e-waste ends up in landfills where it causes serious environmental issues; and conventional extraction methods rely on inefficient, expensive, energyintensive processes. The Metalx Biocycle team will leverage biological processes to efficiently extract, concentrate, and purify critical metals and rare earth elements from e-waste and low-grade mineral ores. They plan to develop a biological recovery platform that provides fossil fuel-free metal reclamation and minimizes environmental impact, ensuring a secure closed-loop life cycle for critical metals in the U.S.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Douglas Wicks
Project Contact:
Dr. JESICA URBINA
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
jesica@infiniteelements.com

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