Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6698-0224

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Leslie Hopkinson

Committee Member

Kevin Orner

Committee Member

Nate DePriest

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are an important commodity utilized in many industries such as electronics, defense, manufacturing, medicine, and green energy production. A lack of economical domestic sources forces the United States to import a majority of its supply, and incentivizes novel methods of acquisition. Mining regions of the United States, such as Appalachia or the West, are afflicted with acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted surface waters. REEs occur in varying concentrations within coal seams, indicating that coal and its waste are potential avenues of recovery that might also incentivize the remediation of coal impacted areas. Understanding spatial and geochemical factors that contribute to higher concentrations of REEs in mining waste can aid in more effective recovery efforts. This study investigated the distribution of AMD-sourced REEs in WV, PA, and MD to supplement existing research into the region’s REE recycling potential and explore characteristics of optimal feedstock.

Water quality data such as pH and REE, major metal (MM), and sulfate concentrations and loads were sampled from streams, active and abandoned mines, and treatment systems. Correlations between AMD and REE parameters were performed and differences between sample type (in-stream, active mine feature, [non-producing] mine feature, portal/wetseal, and treated) and originating coal seam were examined using statistical methods such as the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The samples indicated an enrichment in the sought after heavy REEs, and were most plentiful in Y, Ce, and Nd. The Pittsburgh, Redstone, and Sewickley coal seams were associated with the highest concentration of total REEs and sulfate due to active mining. Sulfate and REEs were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.78) and pH and REEs were moderately negatively correlated (r = -0.39). Individual REEs were strongly correlated with each other (r > 0.90) in the aqueous samples. Active mine samples contained the highest REE concentrations, specifically within Preston County, WV and other North-Central counties (Monongalia, Marion, and Taylor), indicating regions with higher potential for recovery.

Download

Share

COinS