Japan plans to extract rare earths using nuclear reprocessing technology
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The Japan Atomic Energy Agency and others developed a new technology capable of extracting rare-earth elements from liquids such as water and oil. This process utilizes an absorbent designed to chemically remove these materials from industrial waste. The development was reported on August 26, 2026, by Nikkei, noting that the technology creates the possibility for recovering valuable resources from industrial wastewater.
Consequences
This technology may provide a new method for Japan to recover strategic materials directly from industrial waste streams. The implementation of this extraction process could potentially alter the management and utility of industrial wastewater in the near term.
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