Scientists are pioneering phytomining for nickel, using plants that naturally absorb the metal from soil. This eco-friendly alternative to traditional mining could supply materials for EV batteries and renewable energy while protecting ecosystems from destructive extraction methods.
Researchers at the University of Florida received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program to develop a native plant species for commercial nickel extraction. The focus is on improving the Milkwort Jewelflower, which naturally grows in nickel-rich soils in California, Oregon, and Nevada.
The U.S. faces a growing nickel shortage. Over 90% of the nickel used here is imported, and the last domestic nickel mine will close in 2026. Nickel is crucial for EV batteries, stainless steel, and renewable energy technology. Traditional mining damages the environment, pollutes water, and releases carbon emissions.
Phytomining works by growing “hyperaccumulator” plants that extract metals, such as nickel, from the ground through their roots. Farmers can plant them on land that isn’t good for regular farming or mining. Once mature, the plants are harvested, dried, and processed to recover the metal. This method is environmentally friendly and can even help restore degraded land.
Dr. Jeongim Kim, the project lead, explains that Europe has run phytomining farms for nearly ten years. Attempts to use European plants in the U.S. caused problems, so researchers are focusing on the Milkwort Jewelflower, a small native plant that naturally stores nickel in its tissues—up to 0.6% of its dry weight.
The wild Milkwort Jewelflower is small and extracts less nickel than European plants. Seeds are scarce, and research is limited. The University of Florida team aims to improve both the plant’s growth and nickel absorption using classical plant biology and genetic engineering. Once enhanced, these plants can be scaled and monitored for real-world farming.
Dr. Kim’s prior work with Arabidopsis, a related plant, helps guide the project. The team is sequencing the Milkwort Jewelflower genome for the first time, creating a blueprint for future gene-editing. AI-powered monitoring systems track how plant modifications affect growth and nickel uptake, helping refine cultivation strategies in the field.
Some phytomining operations are already showing results. GenoMines grows hyperaccumulator plants in nickel-rich fields and recovers up to 2.5 tonnes of nickel per hectare per year. Another company, Metalplant, expects to harvest about 400 kilograms per hectare while capturing roughly 200 metric tons of CO₂ using magnesium-rich soil supplements.
Traditional mining uses heat and chemicals to pull metals from ores, consuming a lot of energy. Phytomining lets plants do most of the work, drastically reducing energy input. Current hyperaccumulators yield only 50–100 kilograms of nickel per hectare per year—enough for two to four EV batteries. Improving plant efficiency is therefore essential.
See also: Sustainable Mining Technologies Key to Meeting Demand for Critical Materials
Industry interest is growing. Bellus Ventures is planning technology transfer and commercialization, creating new U.S. supply chains for plant-sourced nickel. Genomines recently raised $45 million to farm nickel using modified daisy plants, showing strong investor support.
Phytomining could also be applied to other metals, such as cobalt, zinc, and lithium. Beyond mining, the technology can clean polluted soil and could even be used in space exploration to extract metals from extraterrestrial soil.
Students from different fields—pre-med, engineering, and plant science—help with plant care, seed harvesting, and molecular work like DNA cloning. The hands-on experience shows how science can solve real-world problems and gives students insight into careers in sustainable technology.
Phytomining has multiple environmental benefits. It reduces mining damage, cleans contaminated sites, and turns marginal land into productive areas. It supports renewable energy by providing metals for EV batteries while keeping the environmental footprint low. Unlike traditional mining, phytomining can fit into rural economies and sustainable agriculture.
The technology is still developing, but it offers a cleaner, more sustainable future for nickel production. By using plants instead of digging pits, phytomining could provide the metals needed for clean energy without harming ecosystems.
