A mysterious magma could be the source of highly sought-after rare earths. What scientists have discovered

Extinguished volcanoes could represent a rich source of elements from the category of rare earths, in great demand today, a team made up of Australian and Chinese scientists discovered, according to the Xinhua agency, quoted by Agerpres.

In a study published on Wednesday, researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) found that a type of iron-rich magma found inside dormant volcanoes is likely to contain an abundance of rare earths.

Rare earth elements are a group of essential minerals widely used in modern electronic devices, defense technology, batteries and medical imaging. They are considered essential for the global transition to zero emissions due to their use in the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

One of the study’s co-authors, Michael Anenburg, from ANU’s Research School of Earth Sciences, said the iron-rich magma that solidified in some of the dormant volcanoes was up to 100 times more efficient at concentrating these elements. compared to magma erupting from active volcanoes.

“We have never seen iron-rich magma erupt from an active volcano, but we know that some extinct volcanoes, which are millions of years old, have had this enigmatic type of eruption,” the researcher was quoted as saying in a statement. .

“Our findings suggest that these extinct iron-rich volcanoes around the globe, such as El Laco in Chile, could be studied for the presence of rare earth elements,” Anenburg said.

For this discovery, the team simulated volcanic eruptions using rocks similar to those from extinct, iron-rich volcanoes. The rocks were heated to melting point and their mineral content was tested, which led to the discovery of high concentrations of rare earth elements.

It is estimated that global demand for rare earths will increase fivefold by 2030.

China has the largest deposits of these elements in the world and is the world’s largest producer.

The Australian government in 2023 launched a strategy to develop the country’s critical minerals sector, and in May 2024 funding of A$566 million (US$390.8 million) over 10 years was established for mapping critical mineral deposits. from Australia, notes Xinhua.