[SMM Rare Earth Flash] A research team from Southern Illinois University in the US has discovered that algae can increase the concentration of rare earth elements by more than double, offering a new approach beyond chemical processes for green rare earth extraction and potentially helping the US strengthen its critical minerals supply chain. The researchers added rare earth-containing rock powder and microalgae to a simulated river system, and the experimental results showed that the algae could absorb and concentrate rare earth elements, which were then recovered through a patented process. This technology is expected to reduce reliance on chemical agents such as sulphuric acid, and can be applied to the recovery of rare earths from secondary resources such as coal ash, mine tailings, and electronic waste. The team is currently testing more algae species and plans to apply for funding from the US National Science Foundation to further advance the research.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order authorizing restrictions on exports of critical minerals-bearing scrap, including electronic waste and used batteries, to strengthen domestic recycling and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. The order directs the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop rules limiting exports of recoverable critical minerals, aiming to retain valuable materials such as lithium, tungsten and rare earths for domestic processing. The move forms part of the administration's broader strategy to bolster U.S. critical minerals security and support domestic recycling capacity.

[SMM Analysis: South Korea Plans Tighter Copper Scrap Export Declarations—Could Asian Trade Flows Shift?] South Korea plans to require export declarations for ferrous and non-ferrous scrap from 2027. The move targets misdeclaration rather than restricting legal trade. With China, Malaysia and Thailand taking 95.86% of 2025 exports, impacts should be limited for compliant high-grade cargoes but greater for mixed and complex scrap.

[SMM Rare Earth News] Canadian rare earth recycling company Cyclic Materials has reached a cooperation agreement with US electronic waste recycler ERI. Leveraging ERI’s nationwide recycling network and eight processing centers, the partnership will recover rare earth magnets and other critical minerals from electronic waste, building a circular supply chain for critical minerals in North America. Under the agreement, ERI is responsible for the collection and pre-processing of electronic waste, while Cyclic will recover high-purity rare earth oxides from NdFeB magnets and simultaneously extract key materials such as copper and aluminum at its plant in Arizona. The plant has an annual processing capacity of 25,000 mt. The two parties also plan to jointly bid on commercial and government recycling projects, expanding the layout of critical mineral circular utilization. Previously, Cyclic had signed a 10-year cooperation agreement with German magnetic material company VAC to recycle NdFeB scrap generated at its US plant, further strengthening the rare earth supply chain in North America.

Liaoning Tuofeng Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. integrates technology R&D, equipment manufacturing, sales services, and overall solutions, and is committed to promoting the development of the circular economy and sustainable resource recycling.

The University of Edinburgh has licensed its Gold Copper Diamide Extraction process to Lithium Universe for cleaner recovery of gold and copper from electronic waste. The process uses organic compounds to selectively extract metals under milder, low-temperature conditions, offering a potential alternative to high-temperature smelting or aggressive leaching.