Oak Ridge Scientists Unpack 50% Rare Earth Separation-Stage Cut-A U.S. Security Opportunity in Great Powers Era 2.0

Highlights

• ORNL's NEAREST technology won a 2026 R&D 100 Award for potentially halving the number of rare earth separation stages required
• The process uses two neutral ligands with contrasting phase preferences to improve selectivity across the 15 closely related lanthanides
• Reported benefits include 50% less organic extractant and elimination of saponification, though commercial-scale savings are not yet confirmed
• Ames National Laboratory's Critical Materials Innovation Hub supports workforce development and industry collaboration around the technology
• Investors are cautioned to demand pilot-scale data, reagent durability results, and independent project economics before drawing conclusions