Could biomining be a game-changer for rare earth elements and other metals?

As China tightens its grip on rare earth elements and global demand soars, Switzerland faces a critical supply challenge. With domestic mining off the table and recycling rates below one percent worldwide, could biotechnology offer a breakthrough? From extremophiles that thrive in harsh conditions to AI-guided robotic disassembly, innovative biomining approaches are emerging that combine nature's four-billion-year evolutionary advantage with cutting-edge technology. The question is no longer whether biomining is possible, but whether Switzerland can position itself at the forefront of this sustainable revolution in urban mining.