Scientists have discovered that a common fern, Blechnum orientale, can naturally accumulate and even grow crystals of rare earth elements (REEs) within its tissues. This groundbreaking finding could revolutionize how we obtain these critical materials, moving toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction methods.
The Rising Demand for Rare Earth Elements
REEs are not actually scarce, but extracting them from the Earth’s crust is both expensive and environmentally disruptive. These 17 metallic elements are essential for a wide range of modern technologies: from wind turbines and smartphones to medical devices and high-speed internet cables. As demand grows—especially with the expansion of green energy—finding more efficient and sustainable supply chains is becoming critical.
Phytomining: Plants as Natural Extractors
The idea of phytomining —using plants to absorb metals from the soil—has been explored for years. Certain plant species, known as hyperaccumulators, can thrive in metal-rich environments and bind with these elements within their tissues. B. orientale was already known as such a hyperaccumulator, but recent research revealed something unexpected: this fern doesn’t just store REEs, it actively forms mineral crystals inside itself.
A “Chemical Garden” Inside the Plant
Using advanced microscopy and chemical analysis, researchers found that the fern cultivates monazite crystals—rich in neodymium, lanthanum, and cerium—within its own tissues. This is the first documented case of a plant naturally growing REE minerals without the extreme temperatures and pressures typically required in geological formations. The process resembles a “chemical garden” forming spontaneously inside the plant’s structures.
Implications for Sustainable Mining
This discovery suggests that phytomining could be far more efficient than previously imagined. The fact that a plant can generate REE minerals under normal environmental conditions opens up possibilities for direct recovery of these materials without the harsh processes of conventional mining.
“This discovery not only sheds light on REE enrichment… but also opens new possibilities for the direct recovery of functional REE materials,” researchers write.
Further studies are needed to determine if this phenomenon is unique to B. orientale or can be replicated in other plant species. Preliminary evidence suggests that another fern, Dicranopteris linearis, might exhibit similar behavior, but more research is required to confirm this. The challenge now is refining extraction methods to maximize REE recovery while minimizing environmental impact.
This breakthrough substantiates the feasibility of phytomining and introduces a plant-based approach that could transform REE resource development, supporting green energy technologies without exacerbating the environmental and geopolitical challenges associated with traditional mining.
