Human Practices | Warwick

Introduction

Is the scarcity of rare earth metals a bottleneck for technological advancement?

Throughout history, the discovery and utilisation of rare materials has propelled human progress. From the Bronze Age to the modern era, these elements have been pivotal in shaping civilizations. Today, in the 21^st century, rare earth metals are the backbone of our technological society, powering everything from smartphones to renewable energy systems. Yet, the methods we use to extract and recycle these critical materials are unsustainable, threatening both the environment and the supply chain.

Current recycling processes for rare earth elements, such as neodymium, are not only energy-intensive but also rely heavily on harsh chemicals. This has resulted in less than 10% of neodymium being recycled, posing a significant challenge to maintaining a sustainable supply of these essential materials. The environmental cost of these processes is high, with little economic incentive to adopt greener alternatives.

But it doesn't have to be this way!

At BEACON, we place environmental sustainability and technological innovation at the heart of our mission. We are committed to transforming the recycling landscape by utilizing the unique properties of lanmodulin to create a more sustainable method for recovering rare earth metals. Our project aims to revolutionize the way these critical elements are recycled, reducing environmental impact whilst ensuring a stable supply for future technological advancements.

Balancing technological advancement and environmental responsibility

Inspired by the need for a sustainable future, we have identified two key principles that guide our project: ecological integrity and technological progress. We believe that our initiative should support technological growth while safeguarding the ecological systems that sustain life on Earth.

Our goal is to develop a method for recycling rare earth metals that is both efficient and environmentally responsible. By collaborating with electronic waste recycling companies, we aim to implement our innovative lanmodulin-based technology to extract valuable elements like neodymium. This approach not only addresses the pressing issue of resource scarcity but also aligns with our commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the industry.

Our approach towards integrated human practices

At BEACON, we are building a dynamic and multifaceted network of stakeholders, focusing on partnerships with companies involved in electronic waste recycling. These collaborations are pivotal to the success of our project, as they enable us to apply our innovative technology for extracting rare earth metals. Unlike traditional client relationships, our stakeholders include a diverse array of organizations that both influence and are influenced by our efforts to recycle lanthanides using lanmodulin.

Our cutting-edge approach addresses the inefficiencies and environmental drawbacks of conventional recycling methods, which are often energy-intensive and harmful to the environment. By harnessing the unique capabilities of lanmodulin, we aim to develop a more sustainable and efficient solution for recovering valuable rare earth elements such as neodymium. We invite you to learn more about how we have strategically identified and engaged with key partners who are crucial to advancing BEACON’s mission and promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

Our Strategy

Human Practices work shall have the express objectives to:

Demonstrate efforts made towards understanding the world (of recycling, mining, socioeconomic landscape)
Detail the acute understanding acquired from our interaction with relevant stakeholders across all levels of our project i.e. integratiing our technology within exisiting recycling frameworks, genetically M.Extorquens engineering, and increasing awareness of the general public on recycling electronics
Lastly, assess the impact of our project in the context of this newfound information.

In response to this we decided to tackle human practices in using a 3 step approach:

Step 1: Exploring how our project and SynBio can co-exist beyond the laboratory

PESTLE aspect	Context	Project decisions
Political	The UK government enforces strict policies on genetically modified micro-organisms, for example to do risk assessments and notify the government.	The ultimate objective of our project is to use our engineered bacteria, Methylobacterium extorquens, in industry to facilitate the recycling of lanthanides. To ensure safety and compliance, we conducted a thorough risk assessment of using M. extorquens. Based on this assessment, we have classified our project as a Class 1 contained use, indicating that it poses no or negligible risk. However, it is imperative that we prevent our genetically modified microbe from escaping into the natural environment, given the potential unknown long-term effects it could have on biodiversity.
Economic	The growing demand for electronic devices has significantly increased the demand for neodymium. Our project aims to reduce the cost of neodymium by locally recycling lanthanides in the UK, which will in turn lower the price of both neodymium and electronic devices. Currently, over 90% of rare earth elements are sourced from China, limiting profit opportunities for other countries in the market. With less than 10% of Neodymium being recycled, there is a substantial missed opportunity to generate profit from e-waste recycling and to create new job opportunities, thereby reducing unemployment rates.	We have undertaken the development of a cheap bioremediation method to recycle lanthanides from electronic waste. Companies specialising in e-waste recycling represent a potential client base for our innovative solution, as shown by Sherbourne Recycling suggesting that we can implement our method of recycling at their recycling centre.
Social	The general public is increasingly aware of the importance of recycling electronic waste and is making conscious lifestyle choices to support recycling efforts. As a result, a greater number of electronic devices are being directed to e-waste recycling facilities rather than to general waste that ends up in landfills.	We chose to focus on recycling lanthanides from electronic waste due to the increasing availability of e-waste, driven by the public's growing awareness and commitment to sustainable lifestyle practices.
Technological	Current pyrometallurgical methods for recycling lanthanides from electronic waste involve heating the e-waste to high temperatures, resulting in significant energy consumption and associated costs. Hydrometallurgical methods use of strong acids to extract lanthanides which generates hazardous chemical waste. Newly developed methods face the challenge of efficiently separating lanthanides into their individual elements.	We decided to develop a method of recycling the specific lanthanide, neodymium, from e-waste which requires less high temperatures and hazardous chemicals, leading to reduced costs. Additionally, lanmodulin allows selective separation of neodymium from other metals.
Legal	Health and safety regulations require that activities involving Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs) must be assessed for the risk to humans and to the environment.	Our project uses a Class 1 contained use which has no or a negligible risk, therefore our method could be used in industry, however we need to ensure our genetically modified micro-organism does not escape into the natural environment.
Environmental	Current methods for recycling lanthanides are energy-intensive and generate hazardous chemical waste, resulting in increased pollution.	We decided to develop a bioremediation method to recycle lanthanides that is more environmentally friendly.

Step 2: Recognise and comprehend our network of stakeholders at every level

Considering the external players and influences beyond the realm of recycling, our team developed a three-tier stakeholder relationship model to map the impacts of our project across various sectors of the economy (Figure 1). This approach enabled us to swiftly identify our connections to the real world, recognise opposing forces at every level of interaction, and determine our position within this highly interconnected economic landscape.

Diagram showing stakeholders and users — **Figure 1.** A 3-level relationship model showing our stakeholders and potential users that will be either directly or indirectly affected by BEACON

Primary stakeholders - Clients

E-waste recycling companies
These companies are directly involved in the recycling of electronic waste and would benefit from more efficient and sustainable methods of extracting rare earth elements such as neodymium.
High-Tech Manufacturers
Companies producing electronics, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicles—which heavily rely on rare earth elements—would be interested in a stable and sustainable supply chain.

Primary stakeholders - Competitors

Traditional rare earth mining companies
These companies may view the technology as a competitive threat to their conventional mining operations.
Alternative recycling technologies
Other companies or research groups developing different methods for recycling rare earth elements could be considered competitors.

Secondary stakeholders - Propellors

Environmental advocacy groups
Organizations that promote sustainable practices and could support the adoption of your technology due to its reduced environmental impact.
Government and regulatory bodies
Agencies interested in reducing environmental harm and supporting sustainable technologies might provide incentives or support for your project.

Secondary stakeholders - Challenges

Regulatory hurdles
Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape for implementing new recycling technologies can be complex and time-consuming.
Market acceptance
Convincing stakeholdesr to shift from established methods to a new technology may require significant effort, especially if there are preceived risks or uncertainties.

Best possible end users

Manufacturers of electronics and renewable energy systems
These industries are major consumers of rare earth elements and would benefit from a reliable and sustainable supply.
Governments and municipalities
Entities responsible for waste management and environmental protection might adopt the technology to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill waste.

Reflecting on our model

According to this model, we demonstrated that while manufacturers of electronics and renewable energy systems are the end users of our technology, they are not necessarily our direct clients. The reasoning behind this hypothesis is that these companies may lack immediate incentives to adopt new recycling methods unless they see clear benefits or regulatory pressures. However, the interactions among various stakeholders will directly or indirectly influence the behaviour of these companies.

Subsequently, we focussed our Human Practices efforts towards exploring this further. We engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic experts, industry leaders, government agencies, environmental organisations, and the general public, to understand their perspectives, values, needs, and motivations. Each conversation yielded new insights and reflections, significantly shaping the progress and direction of our project. Some of this new information was incorporated into our PESTLE analysis to refine our understanding of the project's context. Although at the time we were unaware, we later realised we were effectively engaging in multiple cycles of the Anticipate, Reflect, Engage, and Act (the AREA framework) to ensure our project was both beneficial and responsible.

A major turning point occurred when we identified a compelling trend of market-driven interactions among various industries, which could facilitate the adoption of our technology in an economically sustainable manner. This insight allowed us to recognize a more balanced distribution of power and responsibilities, supporting the future development of our project and its mission to enhance recycling efficiency and environmental sustainability. The detailed outcomes of each interview are documented on the Integrated Human Practices section below, presented in chronological order.

Market analysis: Comparing our method of lanthanide recycling with current methods

Method of recycling Neodymium	Process	Advantages	Disadvantages
Hydrometallurgical	Hydrometallurgy (leaching) involves dissolving neodymium-containing materials (such as magnets) in acidic or basic solutions to extract the metal.	Effective for recovering neodymium from various sources. Allows selective separation of neodymium from other metals.	High consumption of chemicals and waste generation. High consumption of water. Large number of steps required. Final product is metal oxide (which is less valuable than pure metal). Requires chemical reagents and energy-intensive processes. Generates waste streams that need proper treatment. May not be suitable for all types of neodymium-containing waste.
Pyrometallurgical	Pyrometallurgy involves high-temperature processes (e.g., smelting) to separate neodymium from other materials.	Well-established and widely used. Can handle large quantities of waste because much more scalable than hydrometallurgical process. Consumption of fewer chemicals and water.	Energy-intensive due to high temperatures. Emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Risk of losing valuable elements during smelting. Safety issues. Requirement for further processing steps to separate individual REEs.
Electrodeposition, using ionic liquids	Electrodeposition involves using ionic liquid electrolytes to selectively deposit neodymium onto an electrode.	Sustainable and efficient. Allows precise control over neodymium deposition. Minimal environmental impact. Mild working temperatures. Smaller amount of chemicals needed.	Research is ongoing, and scalability needs validation. Limited studies on other ionic liquid chemistries. Challenges related to impurities and stability.
M. extorquens (our method)	Lanmodulin—a protein present in M. extorquens—binds to a lanthanide (such as Neodymium), then the bacteria, swims to an extraction point, carrying the metal inside it.	Lanmodulin allows selective separation of neodymium from other metals. Less harsh chemicals are used in the overall process since chemicals are not used to separate lanthanides from other metals, however acidic chemicals would still be used to dissolve e-waste. Less energy intensive since high temperatures are not required for our method, only 30°C for M. extorquens to grow in. No emission of pollutants and greenhouse gasses.	Research is ongoing and scalability needs validation. Not widely used and well-established. A fresh liquid culture is required often in the process, creating more contaminated waste, however, we plan to kill the bacteria using lyases and alternative methods other than autoclaving to make our process more environmentally friendly. More health and safety regulation to prevent the GMM from escaping into the natural environment.

Step 3: Performing a comprehensive evaluation of our project and its future prospects

As a result of steps 1 and 2, the SWOT analysis enabled us to pinpoint areas needing improvement, identify potential future developments, and determine actions required to address upcoming challenges. By integrating feedback from all our stakeholders and our research findings into the SWOT analysis, we could objectively assess and reflect on these insights. For instance, a recurring topic in every stakeholder meeting and internal discussion was the potential risk of creating a backward incentive. As a project focused on recycling rare earth elements, the last thing we want is for our initiative to hinder the long-term progress of sustainable recycling practices. Some stakeholders suggested that we position ourselves within the broader context of sustainable waste management, while others believed this risk was not a significant concern. In retrospect, it became evident that each opinion was shaped by individual interests and values. Ultimately, our interactions with various stakeholders guided us to ensure that the responsibility for promoting sustainable recycling practices is shared across the industry, rather than solely relying on e-waste recycling companies.

Strengths

Cost-effective lanthanide recycling due to the method's low energy requirements.
Environmentally friendly process, with minimal energy consumption and limited release of harmful chemicals.
The method is classified as containment level 1, making it suitable for industrial use with negligible or no risk.
Given the low-risk nature of our project, it is not necessary to inform the government.
M. extorquens effectively separates lanthanides into individual elements, owing to lanmodulin's high specificity.

Weaknesses

Compliance with strict regulations on GMOs requires thorough risk assessments before our technology can be implemented in industry.
Rigorous health and safety protocols must be established to prevent the release of the genetically modified microorganism into the environment.
The need to recruit specialised labour with advanced biological expertise may result in higher operational costs.
Uncertainty remains regarding the scalability of our method, as it may be a slow process.
M. extorquens is an opportunistic pathogen, posing potential risks.
The process generates contaminated waste, necessitating autoclaving or detergents unless we use alternative methods such as using lyases.

Opportunities

Recycling lanthanides from e-waste presents a valuable opportunity.
Growing production of e-waste underscores the need for more environmentally friendly recycling methods.
The rising demand for electronic devices is driving an increased need for neodymium.
Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, particularly regarding the recycling of e-waste.

Threats

Releasing a genetically modified microorganism into the environment is illegal, necessitating stringent controls for industrial applications.
There are potential long-term unknown consequences associated with the use of our genetically modified microorganism.
The dual-use nature of synthetic biology poses a risk, as inadequate protection measures could lead to the misuse of our technology, potentially disrupting natural habitats (a concern raised in our meeting with Dr. Ying).
While neodymium is essential for electronic devices, including military applications, our project could inadvertently make it more accessible for harmful uses.
Public and employee criticism may arise over the use of genetically modified bacteria in industrial settings, as noted during our visit to Sherbourne Recycling.
Competing recycling methods may be more effective, established, and widely tested than our approach.
Developing countries may lack the technology necessary to implement our solution.

Reflecting on our SWOT analysis

Our SWOT analysis reflects a balanced perspective on the potential of our lanthanide recycling project. The process offers strong advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, minimal environmental impact, and compliance with safety standards, making it suitable for industrial applications. However, challenges exist around the implementation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), such as compliance with strict regulations, potential safety concerns, and the need for highly specialized personnel. Opportunities lie in addressing the growing demand for sustainable e-waste recycling and capitalizing on an environmentally conscious market. Nonetheless, threats include regulatory hurdles, public perception, potential misuse of synthetic biology, and competition from established recycling methods. Careful risk management and strategic planning will be critical to navigate these complexities.

Team BEACON's Final Goals

Team BEACON’s final human practices goals focus on ensuring their project is developed responsibly and in alignment with societal and ethical standards. This involves engaging diverse stakeholders to address concerns, ensuring strict regulatory compliance for GMO use, and conducting comprehensive risk assessments to manage health, environmental, and biosecurity risks. Additionally, the team aims to enhance public understanding through outreach and education, while prioritizing sustainability and ethical considerations to support responsible implementation and acceptance of their technology.

Integrated Human Practices

This section will detail, from start to finish, all our Human Practices work and illustrate vividly the continual integration of feedback into the project's development (Figure 2). The diagram below provides a comprehensive overview of our development process, which unfolded in five distinct stages:

Project Ideation and Strategy Formation: This initial phase involved brainstorming and conceptualizing the core idea of our project. We focused on identifying the key objectives and determining the strategic approach required to bring our vision to life.
Refinement and Enhancement of Ideas:During this stage, we concentrated on developing and refining the necessary ideas and characteristics to ensure the project's effectiveness. This involved detailed planning and consideration of the technical and practical aspects needed to achieve our goals. We did this by researching relevant policies and practices.
Contextual Market Analysis:In this stage, we engaged with key stakeholders and industry representatives to evaluate how our project aligns with the broader market landscape. Drawing from these discussions, we reflected on potential adjustments to our project to better meet current market demands and enhance the benefits for our primary stakeholders.
Informed Project Design and Implementation:Here, we evaluated the broader context and environment in which our project would be situated. This involved understanding the potential impact, challenges, and opportunities within the intended setting, ensuring that our project aligns with external factors and stakeholder expectations.
Proposed Implementation with Considerations for Feasibility, Ethics, and Safety: In the final stage, we outlined the proposed implementation plan, taking into account the practicality, ethical considerations, and safety measures required. This involved assessing the project's feasibility and ensuring that it adheres to ethical standards and safety protocols to guarantee responsible execution.

Diagram showing our approach to Human Practices — **Figure 2.** Our hollisitc approach to Human Practices.

Stages

1. Project Ideation and Strategy Formation: (May-Jun)

At BEACON, our initial project brainstorming began in early March, with each team-member having to propose a problem that SynBio can solve and we voted for the 3 problems we would like to solve as an iGEM team (Figure 3).

Over the subsequent months, we explored various ideas by conducting literature reviews and designing gene circuits. We organized ourselves into three subgroups to explore the following project concepts: (1) developing biocoatings to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution, (2) engineering E. coli to produce antibodies capable of binding to spores and fibre, facilitating the excretion of these highly resistant spores, and (3) recycling rare earth metals using M. extorquens bacteria, which contains the protein lanmodulin that selectively binds to lanthanides. However, these concepts were eventually set aside or refined for various reasons, such as time constraints and misalignment with our overarching vision.

Initial brainstorming sessions for our project — **Figure 3.** A mind-map of ideas from one of our initial brainstorming sessions for our project.

In early April, we shifted our focus to the third option of the 3 mentioned; namely, the recycling of lanthanides using M. extorquens. After thoroughly evaluating the advantages and challenges associated with each idea, we chose to pursue the recycling of lanthanides using M. extorquens. This project stood out due to its innovative approach and balance of ambition. Our decision was further reinforced by literature highlighting the fact that less than 10% of neodymium, a key lanthanide, is currently recycled, with existing methods being both energy-intensive and reliant on harsh chemicals. By contrast, our proposed method promises a more environmentally sustainable alternative. Additionally, lanmodulin’s high specificity for lanthanides enhances the efficiency of separating these valuable metals from other elements, making our project both impactful and feasible.

To validate our ideas and explore new directions, we decided to reach out to experts in the field. This led us to contact Dr. Tobias Erb and Dr. Anke Becker, academics at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology with expertise in working with M. Extorquens. We sought to discuss our thoughts and identify new targets for our project.

Prof. Anke Becker and Prof. Tobias Erb - Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology – plasmid design and feasibility of our project

**Figure 4.** Meeting with Prof. Anke Becker and colleagues were we discussed feasibility and meaningfulness of project BEACON.

In consultation with our supervisors and experts specialising in protein-metal binding and Methylobacterium extorquens, we conducted online meetings with Anke Becker, Professor of Microbiology and Principal Investigator at the Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO) at Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany (Figure 4). These discussions also included her colleagues and researchers from the lab of Prof. Tobias Erb. The primary focus was to identify the most suitable strain of M. extorquens for our genetic engineering work and to assess the overall feasibility of our project. From these discussions, we understood that while our project timeline is ambitious, it remains achievable. Additionally, their lab generously provided us with their strain of M. extorquens along with plasmids for use in our research.

Response

In response, we initiated liquid cultures and began the genetic engineering process early, recognising that M. extorquens is a slow-growing bacterium. Concurrently, we began designing plasmids and genetic inserts, utilising the plasmid maps kindly shared by Dr. Becker and her team.

Prof. Claudia Blindauer – University of Warwick

**Figure 5.** Meeting with Prof. Claudia Blindauer and Sirilata Polepalli in which we discussed how we can embed ICP-MS analysis within our project.

Prof. Blindauer specialises in the field of inorganic biochemistry, focusing on metal-binding proteins from a variety of organisms including mammals, invertebrates, plants, and bacteria, with the aim to contribute to the understanding of mechanisms of zinc homeostasis. For these reasons, her research group has a lot of experience working with Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS); an analytical technique we were keen to use in our project (Figure 5). This highly precise analytical technique for detecting metal concentrations, was particularly relevant to our project as we needed to determine. We also met with one of her PhD students, Sirilata Polepalli who helped us carry out the actual measurements on the instrument and assisted us in preparing the samples.

Alongside her assistance with ICP-MS, Prof. Blindauer played a crucial role from the early stages of our project by helping us evaluate both its feasibility and its potential impact on industry and research. Drawing from her professional experience, she emphasized that our project addresses a critical and timely need, particularly as the global demand for rare earth metals continues to rise and natural sources become increasingly depleted. Her insights underscored the significance of developing sustainable methods for lanthanide recycling, highlighting that our work could contribute not only to scientific research but also to the broader effort of securing a stable supply of these essential materials. This validation from a respected expert in the field reaffirmed the importance of our project and motivated us to push forward, knowing that our approach could fill a tangible gap in both industrial applications and environmental conservation.

Response

Having both the guidance and insight of Prof. Claudia Blindauer was invaluable due to the technical knowledge we were able to gain as well as support in our project. Their guidance in optimizing the use of ICP-MS strengthened our experimental approach, helping us to obtain more robust and reliable results. This experience highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as it bridged gaps in our understanding and provided us with tools and methodologies that we might not have otherwise had access to. Ultimately, working with experts in complementary fields enhanced the quality of our project and reinforced the value of drawing on specialized expertise to solve complex scientific challenges.

Prof. Alex Baker – University of Warwick

Following our meeting with Dr. Alex Baker, we evaluated the use of XPS and ICP-MS for measuring neodymium concentrations in our samples. Dr. Baker advised that we either freeze-dry or lyse our cells, as the Chemistry department prohibits the use of microbes such as M. extorquens in their laboratories. He also expressed concerns that mass spectrometry might pose challenges in detecting subatomic particles, unlike XPS. Additionally, he noted the potential issue of our samples containing insufficient lanthanide concentrations for accurate measurement.

He posed a question about if we can know if there is any neodymium in our sample before we took the samples for ICP-MS or XPS measurement. The question stimulated discussion which fostered the XoxF protein assay. The XoxF protein assay shows that we considered our economic values, since we wanted to develop a cheap, alternative measurement tool to measure neodymium concentration. See contribution page

Response

To address this, we have carefully adjusted our protocols to ensure the neodymium concentrations are within a measurable range for ICP-MS. Ultimately, we opted for ICP-MS over XPS due to the availability of funding for ICP-MS, whereas XPS would have been expensive. Given our objectives, we are confident that ICP-MS will provide the necessary results. We also sought to validate the XoxF protein assay for measuring neodymium concentration. However, due to time limitations, we were unable to conduct sufficient experiments to fully confirm the reliability of this assay.

2. Refinement and Enhancement of Ideas: (Jun-Jul)

During the first few months in the lab, the team enthusiastically immersed themselves in both the engineering and modelling aspects of the project, eager to translate our ideas into tangible results. This early stage was marked by intense brainstorming sessions and iterative troubleshooting to refine our approach and address initial technical challenges. Our hands-on experimentation was complemented by a series of follow-up meetings and consultations with new experts across various disciplines. These discussions helped us gain a more comprehensive understanding of the broader implications of our work, ensuring that we considered its potential impacts both inside the laboratory and in real-world applications.

By engaging with professors specializing in different areas—ranging from synthetic biology to environmental policy and industrial biotechnology—we were able to identify key strengths and potential pitfalls of our project. This interdisciplinary input allowed us to refine our design to better align with industry needs while considering regulatory, ethical, and environmental factors. It became clear that while our work had strong scientific merit, its success would also depend on navigating complex social and ecological considerations. This early collaboration laid a solid foundation for integrating technical and human practices, ultimately shaping the direction of our project and helping us define our goals with greater clarity.

Dr. Ying-Qi Liaw – Researching current policies and practices

We had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Ying-Qi Liaw, a Teaching Fellow in Values, Law, and Ethics at Warwick Medical School, whose research interests include human heritable genetic editing (Figure 6). During our discussion, we explored the moral, social, political, and legal dimensions of our project and how best to integrate these values into our project.

Key insights

Dr. Ying emphasized the importance of considering the dual-use nature of Synthetic Biology, recognizing that it has the potential for both beneficial and harmful applications. Integrating social and moral values into our project requires careful attention to this aspect.
Transparency with the general public was highlighted as crucial in addressing concerns about genetically engineered microbes. By clearly communicating both the benefits and potential risks of our project, we can demonstrate our commitment to ethical considerations.
Dr. Ying underscored the importance of understanding public concerns, recommending that we conduct surveys to gauge public opinion. This would involve educating the public about our project, gathering their feedback, and assessing any shifts in perception.
Reaching out to policymakers, such as those at the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, was also advised to ensure our project aligns with broader ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks.
We also discussed the legal implications of creating a genetically modified organism, recognising the need to navigate these complexities carefully.

Response

Following Dr. Ying-Qi Liaw's recommendation, we reviewed a paper on genetically modified microbes and incorporated the key insights from this paper, along with important points from our meeting, into our SWOT analysis.
We took the initiative of conducting a survey that would better understand and address public concerns regarding genetically modified bacteria, electronic waste, and where the two intersect, however this was not implemented due to time constraints
We initiated contact with the Nuffield Council on Bioethics and conducted a bioethics report based on the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights.
We further explored the legal aspects of genetic modification by reviewing additional literature and integrated these findings into our PESTLE analysis.

3. Contextual Market Analysis: (Jul-Sep)

As outlined in Part 2 of our Human Practices Strategy, we have mapped a network of stakeholders who will be directly or indirectly impacted by BEACON's project. Utilizing this three-tier relationship model, we reached out to each of these stakeholders and successfully interviewed most of them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry. To better showcase their diverse perspectives, we have categorized each interview according to the sectors they represent.

Visit to Sherbourne recycling - Consulting key stakeholders

We had the privilege of visiting Sherbourne Recycling, a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes AI and robotics to separate kerbside waste (Figure 7). During our visit, we met with Anthony Horsby, the Education, Communications, and Social Values Officer at Sherbourne Recycling, who provided valuable insights into their recycling processes. He also offered guidance on assessing the sustainability of our project and discussed potential pathways for integrating our technology into industry practices. Additionally, we had the opportunity to observe their operations firsthand, allowing us to explore how our technology could be applied to enhance their waste separation methods.

Key insights

Industrial Scaling: We can adapt our project for industrial application by designing a specialized "swimming pool" system where e-waste is submerged for dissolution, followed by the deployment of our engineered bacteria to selectively separate lanthanides from other metals present in the e-waste.
Sustainability Measurement: The environmental responsibility of our project can be assessed using the B Corp guidelines, aligning our approach with Sherbourne's commitment to sustainability.
Economic Considerations: Anthony emphasized the importance of ensuring that all recovered lanthanides remain within the UK, thereby contributing to the local economy.
Waste Minimisation: Inspired by Sherbourne's practice of using process residues to manufacture bricks, we aim to design our recycling process to minimise waste production.
Social Values and Employee Concerns: Anthony highlighted potential concerns from employees regarding the use of bacteria in recycling, particularly in light of the recent pandemic. Addressing these concerns through education will be essential to demonstrate that our recycling method is not only environmentally friendly but also safe and economically viable.
Public Awareness: We recognised a significant gap in public awareness regarding the proper disposal of e-waste, which poses risks to recycling centres. For instance, a recent incident in Leicester, where a recycling centre exploded due to the improper disposal of a lithium-ion battery, underscores the importance of educating the public on recycling e-waste at designated locations.

Response

Design Development: Created an online blueprint for an industrial-grade container tailored for recycling lanthanides using our project's methodology.
Sustainability Analysis: We reviewed the B Corp criteria to ensure our project aligns with environmental responsibility standards. In this process, we identified that our current method, which involves dissolving e-waste in acid, generates hazardous chemical waste — a concern we aim to address by exploring alternative, less harmful methods, such as bioleaching. Additionally, our process requires the regular replacement of the bacterial growth medium, necessitating ethical disposal practices to prevent the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment. Current disposal methods, such as autoclaving and acid treatment, are not particularly eco-friendly, prompting us to consider more sustainable alternatives, for example treating the hazardous waste with enzymes such as lyases.
Community Engagement: Conducted an outreach program at Coventry Library to educate the local community about the beneficial uses of bacteria, highlighting their roles in cheese production, metal recycling, and insulin production. See the Education page for more details.
Public Education Initiative: We also conducted further outreach at Cannon Park Shopping Centre to raise awareness about proper e-waste recycling practices and to inform the public about the advantages of our innovative recycling method. See the Education page for more details.

MINT Innovation

Although we were unable to arrange a meeting with MINT Innovation due to time zone differences and their busy schedule, we were still able to gather valuable insights from their publicly available resources and case studies. MINT’s innovative approach to metal recovery from e-waste provided a useful benchmark for evaluating the industrial relevance of our project. By analysing their methodologies and comparing them to our own, we gained a clearer understanding of potential technical challenges, scalability issues, and the economic viability of implementing sustainable lanthanide recycling solutions. This indirect engagement reinforced the importance of optimizing our process to ensure it is both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial, aligning our efforts with industry best practices.

4. Informed Project Design and Reflection

Meeting with Sophie Kempston

We had the opportunity to meet with Sophie Kempston, a third-year PhD student in Global Sustainable Development, who specialises in the sustainability impacts of the UK's demand for critical raw materials driven by the rise in electric vehicle battery demand (Figure 8). During our discussion, we explored how our project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key insights

The demand for raw materials in renewable energy devices (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines) and electric vehicle batteries is rapidly increasing. Our project aims to address this by reducing reliance on mining through the recycling of rare earth metals, which is essential given that current mining practices cannot meet future material demands.
While mining is currently cheaper than recycling, the long-term necessity of recycling rare earth metals is evident to meet growing demand. This approach aligns with the Triple Bottom Line framework:

Social: Reducing mining can decrease child labor and the displacement of communities, though it may lead to job losses in mining regions, potentially increasing poverty.
Economic: Although primary metals are cheaper, recycling can diversify the supply chain, reducing reliance on China, which currently dominates rare earth metal production. This could stabilise prices and protect against supply disruptions, though it may negatively impact the Chinese economy.
Environmental: Recycling reduces the carbon footprint by minimising transportation and lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional mining.

Sophie noted that our project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Although not entirely without negative environmental impact, our project minimises harm by using less energy-intensive methods and generating less chemical waste. Small reductions in negative impact are significant, as they accumulate over time.

Response

We recognise the potential impact our recycling method could have on employment in the mining sector. To mitigate this, we plan to provide training programs for mine workers, equipping them with the skills needed to transition to roles in recycling plants if our method is adopted in the future.
We are encouraged by the acknowledgment that our project could play a significant role in meeting the future demand for rare earth metals.
We conducted an analysis to evaluate how our project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. See Sustainable Development Impact

5. Proposed Implementation with Considerations for Feasibility, Ethics, and Safety

Reflecting on our insights gained from our engagement with different stakeholders, we designed a process of how our project can be implemented in industry in a sustainable manner. See Implementation page