Verónica Castro-AllendeNew research suggests that extinct volcanoes in Australia could hold significant quantities of rare earth elements, positioning the country as a future leader in the global rare earth supply chain. Experts from The Australian National University and the University of the Chinese Academy of Science have discovered iron-rich magma within these volcanoes, containing large concentrations of these essential elements. Rare earth elements, like neodymium, lanthanum, and yttrium, are crucial for technologies like electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and energy-efficient LED lighting. As the world transitions to low-carbon technologies, demand for these materials is expected to surge, making this discovery even more valuable. Currently, China dominates rare earth production, but this Australian discovery could shift the balance. By tapping into these resources, Australia could reduce its reliance on foreign supply chains and become a significant player in the rare earth market. The research reveals that iron-rich volcanic magma is up to a hundred times more effective at concentrating rare earth metals than magma from active volcanoes, providing an exciting new resource for future green technology needs.
According to research, extinct volcanoes may offer Australia an interesting and plentiful new source of rare earth elements.
An iron-rich magma in extinct volcanoes that is thought to be abundant in rare earth elements has been discovered by experts at The Australian National University ( ANU) and the University of the Chinese Academy of Science.
This innovative blend of these crucial organic materials could make Australia a leading global producer of rare earth elements, which are necessary for a variety of everyday and efficient technologies.
Already, China is home to the World’s largest rare earths deposit, while Europe’s largest is located in Sweden.
With the discovery, Australia might have the chance to take the lead in the unusual earth elements sector.
Why is it crucial to strengthen supply chains for unique earth elements?
Rare earth elements are a group of 17 silver elements, including lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, known for their special electrical, luminous, and electrical properties.
Although relatively abundant in Earth’s crust, these elements are challenging to extract in focus, commercially viable amounts. They are essential for a wide range of innovative technologies, especially those involving green energy solutions, because of their specialized nature.
In alternative technologies, rare earth elements play a vital role in enabling the transition to a low-carbon future. For instance, effective permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines are required for the production of neodymium and dysprosium.
These magnets help improve energy efficiency and performance. Important components of electric vehicle batteries, which are essential for the transition to cleaner transportation, are exceptional earth elements like lanthanum.
Europium and yttrium are essential for energy-efficient LED lighting and display screens, reducing overall energy consumption.
Their use in these crucial applications highlights how significant they are because demand is anticipated to grow fourfold by 2030.
Endangered volcanoes unlock Australia’s potential
In their study, the researchers recreated volcanic eruptions in the lab by using rocks similar to those found in iron-rich, dead volcanoes.
The scientists were able to study the minerals inside these rocks by placing them in a pressurized furnace at incredibly high temperatures until they melted.
Through this process, they discovered that iron-rich igneous rocks contain an abundance of unique earth elements.
The iron-rich magma that solidified into some extinct volcanoes, according to Dr. Michael Anenburg of ANU, is off to a hundred times more effective at concentrating rare earth metals than the magma found in active volcanoes.
Anenburg added:” We have never seen an iron-rich magma erupt from an active volcano, but we know some extinct volcanoes, which are millions of years older, had this mysterious type of eruption.
Our findings suggest that the presence of unusual earth elements could be studied for the presence of these iron-rich extinct volcanoes across the globe, such as El Laco in Chile.
Australia has a special opportunity to strengthen its position in the world’s market for unique earth elements thanks to this groundbreaking discovery.
Australia could cut down on its reliance on international supply chains and become a key player in the production of rare earths by tapping into the enormous potential of iron-rich volcanic rocks from endangered volcanoes.
