In 15 days, Cornell-engineered bacterium broke down olivine and extracted 75% of its magnesium, while releasing nickel and cobalt and forming a carbon-storing mineral that could link mine waste to cleaner batteries

A Cornell-engineered bacterium rapidly weathers olivine, extracting magnesium and releasing critical metals. This process also forms a carbon-bearing mineral, offering dual benefits. The bacteria accelerate a natural weathering process, enhancing mineral dissolution significantly. This discovery could combine carbon storage with valuable metal recovery for batteries.