Study highlights untapped rare earth resources beneath extinct volcanoes

CNN discloses that a groundbreaking study suggests that a unique type of magma found in extinct volcanoes around the world could be a treasure trove of rare earth elements.

A mysterious form of magma found in extinct volcanoes worldwide may hold a significant supply of rare earth elements, essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other clean technologies. Rare earth elements like lanthanum, neodymium, and terbium are vital for reducing reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.

While these elements are not as rare as their name suggests, they are difficult to extract due to their often low concentrations. As global demand increases, many countries are seeking new sources to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates their supply. The study, led by researchers from the Australian National University and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlights a potential new avenue for rare earth extraction.

It was inspired by the recent discovery of a vast deposit of these elements in Kiruna, Sweden, which is situated on a massive iron-ore mass formed by intense volcanic activity about 1.6 billion years ago. This discovery prompted scientists to question why rare earths are present there and whether the iron-rich volcanoes inherently possess qualities that enrich them in rare earth elements. Unfortunately, they have not been able to study active examples, as such volcanoes are extremely rare. To explore this further, the scientists created a simulated magma chamber in their lab using a synthetic rock that mimics the composition of materials from extinct volcanoes. They placed it in a pressurized furnace and heated it to extreme temperatures.

The research found that once the rock melted into a magmatic state, the iron-rich magma was able to absorb all surrounding rare earth elements, proving to be up to 200 times more efficient at concentrating these elements compared to typical volcanic magma. This suggests there may be untapped rare earth deposits in extinct volcanoes worldwide, including in the US, Chile, and Australia.

Many of these locations are already being mined for iron ore, presenting a potential “win-win” situation for both companies and environmental efforts, as they could enhance the value of existing mines without needing to exploit new resources. Lingli Zhou, an assistant professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, noted that the study's method of simulating natural environments in the lab is a novel way to understand how rare earths accumulate. 

This research could provide geologists with valuable insights for locating economically viable deposits, helping to diversify the rare earth supply chain. However, rare earth mining often faces environmental challenges due to the toxic chemicals used, which can contaminate soil and water, along with reported human rights abuses in the supply chain, including child labor. Some experts advocate for increased focus on recycling rare earth elements instead of mining, with recent studies indicating that materials from discarded electronics, such as cell phones and electric vehicles, could significantly reduce the need for new mining operations.

By Naila Huseynova