EV batteries require nickel, cobalt and lithium, which till now were only available from mining. But Dr. Dhankher and his team are developing such a technology that will produce nickel from farming instead of mining!
How will this happen?
✅ Phytomining is a process in which certain plants absorb nickel and other metals from the soil.
✅ When these plants mature, they are cut and burned.
✅ Pure nickel is extracted from the ash that remains.
✅ This process is cheaper, clean and eco-friendly than mining.
Why is this innovation necessary?
✅ China’s dominance: China supplies 54% of the world’s nickel. Phytomining can make India and the US self-reliant.
✅ Pollution and destruction: Traditional mining destroys forests and increases water pollution + CO₂ emissions.
✅ Smart use of barren land: Where normal farming is not possible, nickel crops can be produced there.
✅ Cheaper and sustainable alternative: Traditional mining is costly, but phytomining is cheap and efficient.
Om Prakash Dhankher: Son of a farmer will now extract nickel for batteries from trees!
Today’s world is moving towards sustainability and clean energy, and at the same time new concepts like phytomining are emerging. This is a technique in which trees store nickel and other metals required for batteries by absorbing them from the soil. There is a name behind this breakthrough research-Dr. Om Prakash Dhankher.
Dhankher, who grew up in a small village in Haryana, is today a leading scientist at UMass Amherst, whose research aims to bring environment-friendly solutions. Let’s take a look at his journey and futuristic vision of phytomining.
Who is Om Prakash Dhankher?
Dr. Om Prakash Dhankher is an agricultural biotechnologist who is working on soil contamination, food security and clean energy solutions. He spent his childhood as a son in a farming family, where he understood real problems like water shortage, soil degradation and pollution.
He completed his BSc and MSc in India, and then did PhD from Durham University (UK). After PhD, he did postdoctoral research at University of Georgia (USA), in which he developed genetically modified plants that removed mercury and arsenic contamination.
After joining UMass Amherst in 2004, his focus has been on climate-resilient crops, phytoremediation and biofuels. Today he has 5 international patents to his name, and his research has received $10 million+ funding.
What are Dhankher’s other innovations?
1️⃣ Arsenic-Free Crops
He has developed genetically engineered arsenic-resistant rice that does not absorb arsenic from the ground.
This technology is funded by USDA and NIEHS.
2️⃣ Climate-Resilient Crops
Crops that can survive in less water and can also be grown from salty water or wastewater.
This will help tackle future water crisis.
3️⃣ Biofuels and Industrial Oils
Dhankher and his team are genetically modifying oilseed crops that produce more oil and can become a better alternative to biofuels.
4️⃣ Nano-Fertilizers and Organic Pesticides
Non-toxic fertilizers and chemical-free pesticides that improve soil and food safety.
Phytomining is already working!
🌱 MetalPlant (USA) has started paying Albanian farmers for phytomining.
🌱 Dr. Dhankher at UMass Amherst is developing a special oilseed plant that will provide fast-growth and high nickel absorption.
Should India adopt Phytomining?
India also has nickel and lithium reserves, but mining is costly and harmful to the environment. If Phytomining is adopted, India can make its EV battery production self-reliant!
➡️ Do you think nickel mining from farms is possible in the future? Share your opinion in the comments!
Conclusion: A journey from farms to mines!
Dr. Om Prakash Dhankher is not just a scientist, he is a visionary who is bringing green solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. His phytomining research can change the future of EV battery production.
The time has come when trees will not only provide oxygen but will also become fuel for clean energy! 🚀💡