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Bacteria helping to extract rare metals from old batteries in boost for green tech | Team at University of Edinburgh using microbes to recycle lithium, cobalt and other expensive minerals

Team at University of Edinburgh using microbes to recycle lithium, cobalt and other expensive minerals

The work is being spearheaded by scientists at the University of Edinburgh and aims to use bacteria that can extract lithium, cobalt, manganese and other minerals from old batteries and discarded electronic equipment. “All those photovoltaics, drones, 3D printing machines, hydrogen fuel cells, wind turbines and motors for electric cars require metals – many of them rare – that are key to their operations.” skip past newsletter promotion Analysis and opinion on the week's news and culture brought to you by the best Observer writers

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