MATERIALS & HANDLING
The west has become increasingly aware that it needs to develop its own production facilities and supply chain
MICROBIAL R MINING An innovative startup aims to open sustainable rare earths delivery to the west, while contributing to the circular economy. Nicola Brittain reports
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are earth manufacturers have tended to be based in China, but with defence technologies, alloys, optical equipment, heavy magnets for EVs and many more applications dependent on these elements, the west has become increasingly aware that it needs to develop its own production facilities and supply chain - particularly in light of the recent China US trade wars. REEgen, a sustainable rare earth startup based in Ithaca, New York, is well placed to help bring the US up to speed. The company, cofounded by CEO Alexa Schmitz and CTO Sean Medin, uses synthetic biology to solve environmental issues caused by rare earth mining. It