Malaysia is now poised to pioneer a transformative new approach to nickel extraction. To help them accomplish this, they’re working with a lesser-known plant species, Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi, which has a superpower of soaking up nickel from ultra-metal-rich soils. Under the leadership of NMB CEO Rezal Khairi Ahmad, this initiative is making great strides. He hopes to grow this fast-growing bio-mass as a greener source of nickel, with a target harvest date of 2026.
Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi, endemic to the rainforest foothills of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, means ‘grasshopper’ in Malay. It has one of the planet’s highest natural capacities to absorb nickel. This endemic plant species thrives on serpentine soil, which is notably rich in metals. It serves a crucial function in phytomining, during which plants are used to extract valuable metals from the ground. The Malaysian government views this approach as an environmentally sustainable replacement for conventional mining. They see it as an opportunity to take advantage of the country’s plentiful natural resources.
The soil around Mount Kinabalu very high in the unique elements of Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi. Hyper-accumulator As a hyper-accumulator, this plant absorbs large amounts of nickel, at levels up to 100 times that of other vegetation. Due to this trait, the plant is considered a potential answer to meeting the growing global need for nickel. This is particularly critical for rapidly growing industries such as battery manufacturing and other renewable energy technologies.
Under Rezal Khairi Ahmad’s leadership, the team is currently working to advance phytomining’s methods and practices. Now, they are customizing these techniques to match the unique characteristics of Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi. The Malaysian government is fully aware of the exciting economic prospects this initiative can offer. They’re steadfast in their resolve to have their country become a worldwide leader in sustainable mineral production.
Phytomining not only reduces environmental harm and helps protect biodiversity by enabling the restoration of disturbed ecosystems. By harnessing the power of Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi, Malaysia can turn to a greener source for resource extraction that matches the world’s sustainability goals.