A unique form of iron-rich magma found within ancient volcanic sites may contain significant amounts of rare earth elements, suggesting a potential new method for obtaining these sought-after metals, according to recent findings. Rare earth elements are essential components in various technologies, including smartphones, flat-screen TVs, magnets, as well as in public transport like trains and military equipment. Additionally, they are critical for producing electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions such as wind turbines.
A unique form of iron-rich magma found within ancient volcanic sites may contain significant amounts of rare earth elements, suggesting a potential new method for obtaining these sought-after metals, according to recent findings from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Rare earth elements are essential components in various technologies, including smartphones, flat-screen TVs, magnets, as well as in public transport like trains and military equipment. Additionally, they are critical for producing electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions such as wind turbines.
Dr. Michael Anenburg from ANU explained that the iron-rich magma that solidified in ancient volcanoes is up to a hundred times more effective at concentrating rare earth metals compared to the magmas released during eruptions from active volcanoes.
“We have yet to observe an iron-rich magma erupting from an active volcano; however, we know that some extinct volcanoes, dating back millions of years, experienced this intriguing type of eruption,” stated Dr. Anenburg.
“Our research indicates that these iron-rich extinct volcanoes worldwide, including El Laco in Chile, could be promising sites for exploring rare earth elements.”
The researchers conducted laboratory simulations of volcanic eruptions by using rocks resembling those from iron-rich extinct volcanoes. They placed these rocks into a pressurized furnace and subjected them to extreme heat until they melted, enabling a better understanding of the minerals contained within.
Through this method, they uncovered the high concentration of rare earth elements in these iron-rich volcanic rocks.
As more nations heavily invest in renewable energy technologies, the demand for rare earth elements is rapidly increasing. Projections indicate that the demand for these materials could grow five times by 2030.
“Although rare earth elements may not be truly rare, as they are found in similar amounts to lead and copper, the extraction and processing of these metals from their mineral forms is complex and costly,” Dr. Anenburg noted.
China holds the largest deposit of rare earth elements globally, while Sweden boasts the largest deposit in Europe. Australia is home to a renowned deposit at Mount Weld in Western Australia, along with additional sites near Dubbo and Alice Springs.
According to Dr. Anenburg, Australia has a significant opportunity to emerge as a dominant contributor to the clean energy market by leveraging its rich rare earth resources.
This research has been published in Geochemical Perspectives Letters, with lead author Shengchao Yan from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
