Highlights

• Cornell scientists engineer Gluconobacter oxydans bacteria to extract rare earth elements with up to 111% improved efficiency.
• Innovative microbial platform enables dual rare earth recovery and carbon sequestration through advanced gene-editing techniques.
• Research positions U.S. to lead green mining technology with potential for global carbon drawdown and critical mineral infrastructure.

Biomining breakthrough opens path to dual rare earth recovery and carbon sequestration

Cornell University (opens in a new tab) researchers have announced a significant breakthrough in the development of engineered microbes capable of extracting rare earth elements (REEs) while simultaneously capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. This one-two punch could redefine sustainable mining. The discoveries, led by Dr. Buz Barstow (opens in a new tab) (Biological and Environmental Engineering) and Dr. Esteban Gazel (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences), are detailed in three new papers published in Communications Biology and Scientific Reports. Note Dr. Barstow will be interviewed on a forthcoming Rare Earth Exchanges (REEx) podcast.

At the center of this innovation is Gluconobacter oxydans. This genetically modified bacterium not only survives extreme acidity but also produces acid byproducts that enhance REE bioleaching by up to 73%. Separately, another modification to G. oxydans increased REE extraction by up to 111%, based on novel gene-editing strategies that identified 89 relevant biomining genes. Notably, different gene sets also enhance natural rock weathering for carbon capture, accelerating mineral carbonation by a factor of 58.

The research has immediate commercial traction: Alexa Schmitz, Ph.D., (opens in a new tab) the first author and a former Cornell postdoctoral researcher, is now the CEO of REEgen, an Ithaca-based startup that commercializes the microbial biomining platform.

Potential Commercialization Outlook:

• Short-term (1–2 years): Targeted rare earth recovery from mine tailings and low-grade ores; pilot programs with REEgen.
• Mid-term (3–5 years): Deployment in brownfield and ultramafic rock sites for dual REE extraction and carbon mineralization.
• Long-term (5–10+ years): Integration into large-scale carbon drawdown strategies and critical mineral recovery infrastructure globally.

Cornell’s innovation promises a paradigm shift—sustainable rare earth extraction without the geopolitical dependencies or ecological destruction of conventional mining. With support from the U.S. DOE, NSF, and private donors, this research positions the U.S. to lead in green mining tech for a post-China REE future.

Source: Krisy Gashler, Cornell Chronicle, June 4, 2025