These Plants Are Made of Metal, And They Might Be the Fix the Clean Energy Transition Needs
Scientists discovered a group of plants that accumulate significant amounts of critical minerals like nickel from the soil around them. Now, they’re exploring mining plants, a process called phytomining, to help supply the minerals needed to power the clean energy transition.
Sep 03, 2024 By Andrew Kaminsky
This article is part of our series on responsible mining solutions. The push for clean energy is fueled by growing demand for minerals. Conventional mining has a track record of harmful social and environmental impacts. Phytomining is another potential solution to that problem.
Do you remember “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein? It’s a children’s book about an apple tree that gives a young boy everything it can, and the boy spends countless hours playing with the tree. As the boy grows older, he has less time for the tree. The tree still provides all it can, but it’s sad that the boy doesn’t visit as much as he used to. The story might make your eyes water, but did you know that the giving tree is alive and well today?
Recently scientists asked the tree for clean, renewable energy. The tree said to them, “I cannot do that. I am a tree.”
The scientists nodded and exchanged intelligent glances. After a few awkward moments, the tree spoke again.
“I cannot provide you with clean, renewable energy, but if you take the critical minerals like nickel and lithium that I accumulate, you can use those to build your renewable energy infrastructure.”
There was a murmur of excitement among the scientists and a chorus of laughter when the most senior among them said, “Talk about green energy!”
Lame joke and talking tree aside, scientists actually discovered that some plants hoard a significant amount of metal. So much so that these plants can contribute to the global supply of critical minerals that power the clean energy transition.