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The Rare-Earth Vultures Harvesting Metals From America's Old Wind Turbines — WSJ
Grade Bbullish AI signal
U.S. recycling company Paladin EnviroTech is targeting retired wind turbines as a new source of rare-earth metals, aiming to help reduce American dependence on Chinese supplies.
Some newer turbines can contain nearly a ton of rare earths worth close to $100,000, and Paladin has lined up a pipeline of about 500 turbines across the U.S.
If Paladin can overcome dismantling and processing costs, wind-turbine recycling could strengthen domestic rare-earth supply and support critical-mineral recovery.
Bullish strength: 65/100
- Some newer wind turbines contain nearly a ton of rare earths worth close to $100,000, according to Paladin's estimates.
- Paladin has lined up a pipeline of about 500 turbines across the U.S.
- The U.S. is seeking to reduce reliance on China for rare-earth supplies.
- A leaching process developed at Ames National Laboratory is being commercialized to extract nearly all rare earths from electronic waste.
Bearish strength: 35/100
- Only a fraction of older wind turbines contain rare-earth magnets.
- Dismantling turbines involves substantial logistical challenges and equipment risks.
- Separating rare earths cost-effectively remains a major obstacle.
- Paladin needs sufficient turbine feedstock to operate its recycling business efficiently.
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