The studypublished this month in Environmental Science & Technology, identifies nanoscale monazite crystals within Blechnum Orientalean evergreen fern known to collect rare earth metals in unusually high concentrations.
The work was carried out by researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with a geoscientist from Virginia Tech in the US.
In the paper, the authors write that the discovery “opens new possibilities for the direct recovery of rare earth functional materials (REE), adding: “To our knowledge, this is the earliest reported occurrence of rare earth elements crystallizing into a mineral phase in a hyperaccumulator.”
The method, known as phytomining, relies on certain plants naturally extracting unusual amounts of metals from the soil. In this case, the fern absorbed rare earth metals so efficiently that small mineral crystals formed in its tissues.
The identified mineral – monazite – is normally created deep underground under intense heat and pressure.
The team’s analysis shows that the fern somehow produced nanoscale versions under normal surface conditions, with the highest concentrations found in the leaves and roots. In this state, the plant appears to lock the metals outside its cells as a way to protect itself, the process allowing the mineral to crystallize.
Monazite is valued for applications ranging from lasers to electronics to materials that can withstand high heat and radiation. If produced naturally in a factory, this could provide a new, less impactful source of rare earths.
REEs have priority in the global supply race
REEs, a group of metals used in permanent magnets, lasers, consumer electronics and advanced defense systems, are receiving renewed international attention as governments rush to reduce dependence on concentrated supply chains.
Earlier this month, the US Department of the Interior published its report final list of critical minerals for 2025naming 60 minerals considered vital to the U.S. economy and exposed to supply risk.
The list emphasizes the importance of rare earth metals, which the U.S. imports heavily, highlighting neodymium, scandium and dysprosium as metals for which supply disruptions would impose the “highest costs” on the U.S. economy.
Washington has taken parallel action to strengthen access to rare earths through domestic production, extensive mapping of U.S. reserves and agreements with partners in Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.
In addition to these efforts, U.S. officials continue to express confidence that Beijing will adhere to its obligations under (a). framework for rare earth elements outlined last month.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement recent interview that a deal with China will “hopefully” be struck around Thanksgiving, while also dismissing a report suggesting Beijing is planning new restrictions on US companies.
Are plants a viable source of rare earth metals?
The use of ferns for mineral extraction is still in its early stages and the researchers emphasize that phytomining is not a replacement for conventional production.
But finding mineralized rare earth elements in a living organism provides a proof-of-concept that could broaden the way countries approach resource development at a time when REEs remain strategically crucial to major economies.
As the US, China and other countries look for secure supply routes, the possibility that factories themselves can contribute to the pipeline adds a new dimension to a field dominated by mining companies.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, have no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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