The burgeoning demand for nickel, driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), has prompted innovative approaches to resource extraction, with phytomining emerging as a notable solution. Phytomining leverages the natural ability of certain plants to accumulate metals like nickel from the soil, thus offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional mining. Plants such as Odontarrhena decipiens can concentrate up to 2% of their biomass in nickel, enabling the extraction of significant quantities of the metal without the environmental toll associated with mining. This method involves growing these hyperaccumulator plants on nickel-rich soils, harvesting them, and processing the plant material to retrieve the metal. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint but also addresses the ecological damage caused by conventional mining practices, which are notoriously energy-intensive and heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
Startups like Metalplant and Econik have been pioneers in commercial phytomining, establishing extensive farms dedicated to nickel extraction. For instance, Metalplant’s use of enhanced rock weathering—applying olivine dust to its farms—further amplifies the environmental benefits by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This dual-action process not only aids in nickel extraction but also contributes to carbon sequestration, potentially making the entire operation carbon-negative. This approach has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize resource extraction for the EV industry, providing a greener alternative that aligns with the sector’s broader sustainability goals. With these innovative practices, phytomining could significantly reduce the environmental impact of nickel extraction, supporting the transition to cleaner energy technologies.
