What do smartphones, electric cars, wind turbines, and military systems have in common?
All of these rely on rare earth elements (REEs), which are scattered all over the earth and are difficult and expensive to mine.
However, thanks to a timely discovery by a team of geochemists from the Australian National University (ANU) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the presence of rare earth elements in the iron-rich magma of extinct volcanoes has changed the situation. are all subject to change.
Detect REEs using simulation
The research team used high-pressure reactor simulations to recreate the extreme conditions of a volcanic eruption and demonstrated that iron-rich magma from dormant volcanoes is much more efficient at concentrating rare earth metals. Its concentration is up to 200 times higher than in active volcanoes.
Ancient volcanic sites rich in rare earth elements, such as Kiruna in Sweden, support the researchers’ findings, suggesting similar deposits may exist in volcanic areas around the world.
The best way to harvest volcanic rare metals
According to the ANU-CAS team, geologists must first investigate potential volcano sites using geological mapping, remote sensing and sampling.
The next step is to extract rare earth elements from iron-rich rock deposits using adaptive mining systems, high-temperature furnaces, and advanced separation methods.
Scientists suggest that in some cases, existing iron mining operations could extract both iron and rare earths, increasing resource recovery while minimizing environmental damage. .
Disruption of manufacturing and technology industries
REE is essential in the production of high-performance magnets for things like EVs, wind turbines, smartphones, and medical devices.
As demand for these products increases, sourcing rare earth elements from volcanic deposits could help alleviate pressure on traditional mining operations, which are concentrated in a few countries. China controls 60% of the world’s rare earth element production.
Additionally, harnessing volcanic rare earths can stimulate local economies, create new jobs, and drive innovation in renewable energy and cutting-edge greener electronics, which is a win-win for the planet. Beneficial.
