A research study has identified coalfields in the East Kootenay region of B.C as being a potential source for rare earth elements, which are used in the production of electric car batteries and wind turbines.
The study, completed by researchers from the University of British Columbia and funded by non-profit geology organization Geoscience B.C., examined more than 100 samples from coal deposits in East Kootenay and found elevated levels of certain rare earth elements, predominantly monzonite, xenotime and zircon.