SMRTR Science & EngineeringSep 15, 2026Interesting Engineering

World-first 17-tower system to extract rare metals from lithium waste unveiled

SMRTR summary

China and Ganfeng Lithium launched the world's first 17-tower extraction system, turning lithium mining waste into ultra-pure rubidium and cesium, which are rare metals critical for quantum computing and aerospace. The system recovers over 98% of cesium and 95% of rubidium, slashing solvent use by 40% and reducing China's dependence on foreign imports.

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