Time to tap into nickel
If Dhankher can manipulate Camelina to act like Alyssum, the country could accelerate the green transition as it would bolster the environmentally friendly industries that need critical minerals and biofuels.
Though the technique wouldn’t be able to satiate the market, it could provide up to 20 to 30 percent of the demand, Dhankher said as per UMASS Amherst. He also believes that there is enough nickel available to supply for 50 years of phytomining.
The US Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Project has granted Dhankher and colleague Xing an over million-dollar grant to cultivate this powerhouse plant, demonstrating the potential and appeal of their research.