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Controlled by China, the extraction of these metals is essential for mining and the production of renewable technologies. Researchers propose studying extinct volcanoes rich in iron, such as El Laco, in Chile.
Imagine a scenario where extinct volcanoes, forgotten in time, reveal unexplored deposits of minerals vital for the energy future. Chinese scientists have identified that these volcanoes, particularly rich in iron, contain large quantities of rare earths. These elements are essential for the production of sustainable technologies, such as wind turbines and batteries for electric vehicles.
With the sector dominated by China, this new mining frontier could revolutionize the global market and weaken the Chinese monopoly on renewable energy.
A Scientific Discovery with Geopolitical Implications: Extinct volcanoes as an untapped source of critical minerals
Studies indicate that these newly discovered deposits in extinct volcanoes represent a milestone in rare earth mining. Scientists suggest that areas such as the El Laco volcano in Chile, may harbor abundant reserves of these critical minerals. China’s global dominance in the extraction and control of these elements may face a new challenge, driven by growing demand for renewable energy technologies.
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TOYS
Published in the magazine Geochemical Perspectives Letters, the study reveals that certain types of magma in extinct iron-rich volcanoes contain high concentrations of rare earths. This breakthrough could transform the mining of these elements, currently centered in China, and open up new opportunities for the sector. The discovery points to an alternative source of these metals crucial for sustainable technologies, providing potential market diversification.
What are rare earths and their importance in modern industry and technologies
Rare earths are a group of 17 natural chemical elements that occur as oxides. Despite the term “rare,” these elements are not necessarily scarce, but rather difficult to extract because they are often combined with other minerals.
Their importance to modern technologies is undeniable, being fundamental to electronic devices, electric vehicles and wind turbines. With the energy transition underway, the demand for these elements is projected to increase fivefold by 2030.
Impact of discovery on Chinese soil: New source of rare earths could jeopardize Beijing's supremacy
An international team of scientists led by Shengchao Yan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Michael Anenburg of the Australian National University have replicated volcanic eruptions in the laboratory. Using advanced techniques, they found that the combination of iron silicate and iron phosphate melts facilitates the enrichment of rare earths. This suggests that iron-rich magmas could be an abundant source, especially of the lighter elements.
Yan points out that rocks with high iron phosphate content and that have experienced magmatic immiscibility have great potential as sources of rare earths. Anenburg reinforces the importance of investigating extinct volcanoes, such as El Laco, which can concentrate these minerals at significantly higher levels than conventional volcanic magmas.
China’s challenge to remain a global leader in critical minerals production
Rare earth production is strategic for renewable technologies, which are essential in combating climate change. However, the mining of these elements is deeply rooted in the geopolitical context, with China controlling most of the global reserves. The new discovery of large deposits in extinct volcanoes offers a possibility of breaking the Chinese monopoly, especially in countries with similar geological structures.
This development opens the door for other nations to tap their local reserves, potentially reducing global dependence on Chinese supplies. Such a development could reshape the rare earths market, challenging China’s role as the leading supplier of these vital minerals.
It is worth noting that, even with this promising discovery, China, alongside countries such as Australia, which also has significant reserves of rare earths, is mobilizing to reinforce its presence in the global sector.
China not only has rare earths but also has technology and qualified professionals with chemical engineers and their own equipment for extracting and separating rare earths. The USA also has rare earths, which have several rare earth mines. The problem is the extraction and separation costs and the unavailability of the rare earth factory that stopped producing a decade ago. What about qualified labor? Summary: “expensive” costs and the reactivation of the refinery and factory takes time. How can you hire a professional who doesn’t have one?
Chinese scientists will still sink China because of the excavations.
Here in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, we have a huge inactive volcano. If I'm not mistaken, it's the only one in Brazil. Our honest authorities, because we're up to our necks in dishonest, could do the necessary research on the matter. Or not.
They say that the city of Poços de Calda in MG is located on top of an inactive volcano
That is correct.
Brazil has not just one but several volcanoes and the oldest is located in the Amazon.
Everything is moving towards discovering the infinite energy we dream of.
Good evening my dear friends