Scientists have unveiled a research which argues that extinct volcanoes may constitute the solution to an increasing demand for rare earth elements deemed vital in contemporary technologies. This discovery could lead to new ways of providing the globe with fundamental resources.
Iron Also Makes Magma More StickyUnlocking the Secrets of Iron-Rich Magmas
ANU scientists working with a research team across China have suggested that some extinct volcanoes — long presumed dead and impassive — may simply be taking a rest. The researchers found that rare earth elements are present in abundance in iron-rich magma from the eruptions responsible for creating these ancient volcanic structures.
ANU’s Dr Michael Anenburg says this iron-rich type of magma is up to a hundred times more efficient in concentrating rare earth metals than the magmas that are typically produced by active volcanoes. This breakthrough could open up a new source for these scarce materials.
The Rise of Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements are essential in a plethora of modern technology, from smartphones and flat-screen TV panels to magnets, trains, even missiles. And they are necessary for the progress of electric cars and renewable energy technologies (like wind turbines).
With the world increasingly moving towards sustainability-based direction, there is a five-time increase expected in the demand for rare earth elements by 2030. The demand for these vital minerals has soared and it is more important than ever to discover fresh avenues through which we can source them, efficiently.
Dr. Anenburg explains that in fact the rare earths are not as rare as their name implies, but they are difficult and costly to extract from nature in commercially useful configurations. The finding of these rare earth elements in ancient volcanoes is exciting because unlike the vast majority of current sources, such as in China and Myanmar, they exist in large quantities which may resolve the increasing demand.
Conclusion
Finding rare earths in dead volcanoes is an uplifting discovery that sets how far renewable energy and tech of the future can multiply. Through better understanding of these underutilized land-based and marine resources, researchers and policymakers can eventually decrease our dependence on a few high-volume producers while guaranteeing these material supplies are more stable over time. Given ongoing global efforts to reign in climate change by adopting more renewable sources of energy, this new insight becomes increasingly important.
