Research on Antibiotic Resistance Development by Rare-Earth Metals Exposure Awarded Funding

Since the discovery of antibiotics, millions of lives have been saved, but extensive and irresponsible use has enabled bacteria to develop resistance. This happens because more resistant bacteria are selected to survive in the presence of something toxic, usually antibiotics. However, bacteria have also been found to develop antibiotic resistance through other environmental factors.

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As antibiotics become less effective and resistant infections more common, Roelof Coertze’s focus now turns to how exploitation of rare-earth metals may inadvertently fuel the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These metals, like praseodymium and neodymium, are essential for green technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other modern electronics.

A recent discovery of a large rare-earth metal deposit in Kiruna, Sweden, could reduce Europe’s dependence on Chinese production, which dominates the market. However, as mining and processing of these metals lead to inevitable environmental pollution, there may be unforeseen health consequences.

It’s fascinating to think that two seemingly unrelated natural facets—rare-earth metals and antibiotic resistance—could be interconnected in a unique way that affects human health

Co-Selection: How Toxic Metals Drive Resistance

At the core of this research is the phenomenon of "co-selection," a process in which bacteria exposed to certain stressors - such as toxic metals - develop resistance that also makes them resistant to antibiotics. Since bacteria can share genes, this resistance can spread within bacterial communities, including disease-causing pathogens. Studies have shown that common metals such as copper, silver, and zinc can drive this process, but the effects of rare-earth metals remain largely unexplored. A partial reason is the misleading name of rare-earth metals, which are in fact not rare at all, but are abundant in the earth’s crust. But they are less commonly found in large mineable deposits, which is why they are so valuable and why the health implications of their exploitation should be explored.
 –Many regions have already been impacted by rare-earth metal mining, although antibiotic resistance development has been overlooked. We will investigate this potential health threat in collaboration with the North-West University, South Africa, thereby creating an international context of this research, says Coertze.

Balancing Extraction and Production 

Rare-earth metals are typically present in concentrations too low to affect bacterial selection in nature. However, mining and industrial processes can significantly raise their levels in soil and water as a result of pollution. This creates new pressures on bacterial communities, potentially leading to adaptations that complicate the treatment of bacterial infections at the end of the day. The researchers aim to explore whether bacteria exposed to these metals can survive by developing mechanisms that also grant them antibiotic resistance. This information is important for future policies affecting sustainable mining practices, as well as considerations of responsible recycling of green technologies throughout its life cycle.
 –It’s very important for us that the course of this research will be used to work with policymakers surrounding mining activities. We acknowledge the significance of rare-earth metal mining in Europe and want to aid in making the process as sustainable as possible, emphasizes Coertze.

A Crucial Step Forward

As the demand for rare-earth metals continues to grow, the outcomes of this project could have far-reaching implications for global health, industry, and the economy, according to Roelof Coertze. It is important to consider not only the European context but learn from international mining-impacted environments that could foreshadow our future.

The results will not only contribute to more sustainable mining practices but also to the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance, a problem that affects us all.