Part 6/10:
Recognizing these complexities, the industry is increasingly focused on "beyond combustion" applications—ways to utilize coal without burning it, thereby reducing greenhouse emissions. This approach involves developing technologies to process coal and coal waste into high-value products, such as rare earth elements, graphene, and carbon fibers.
Some countries, notably the United States, are pioneering research into extracting critical minerals from coal waste. Recent studies indicate that the US has increased its reserves of rare earth elements—used extensively in electronics, renewable energy, and defense—by a factor of eight through such processes. These niches represent promising avenues for Australia, given its abundant coal waste and expertise in land rehabilitation.