Alta Resource breaks down e-waste for rare earth metals that electronics need

Rare earth metals, crucial for electronics and defense, are mainly refined in China, causing supply chain concerns. The U.S. Department of Defense prioritizes securing these elements. Alta Resource Technologies has developed a protein-based extraction method for rare earths from low-grade sources and e-waste, surpassing traditional techniques in efficiency. With $5.1 million in seed funding, the company plans a pilot plant. This innovation could reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese supplies and address national security issues.