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With The Help Of Hyperspectral Sensors, The Agency Seeks To Identify Rare Earth Deposits And Understand The Mineral Wealth Of America
Well above the sun-soaked deserts of the American West, a NASA aircraft flies over territories once considered barren, on a bold journey to map rare earth elements and, thus, expand our knowledge of America’s mineral wealth. In this endeavor, the goal is not to find distant galaxies but to reveal essential resources that could drive clean energy and strengthen the country’s economic security.
The expedition’s scenario is a vast area, comparable to the size of Spain, covering states such as California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon. At first glance, the arid soil appears empty, but through hyperspectral sensors installed on NASA’s ER-2 aircraft, each plot of land comes alive in vivid colors, indicating the presence of essential minerals, including the coveted rare earths.
And For What Purpose Will These Elements Be Used?
These elements, crucial for wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, and various green technologies, are part of a hidden treasure that reflects America’s true mineral wealth.
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In collaboration with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the GEMx project (Geological Mapping Experiment) promises not only to reveal what is hidden beneath the soil, like rare earths, but also to guide more sustainable extraction strategies, minimizing environmental impacts and optimizing the search for valuable raw materials.
Lithium
A special highlight is lithium, a key metal for electric car batteries. As global demand increases, old mines are being re-examined, and even waste discarded in the past may become a new source of resources.
This renewed focus on the subsurface promises to transform environmental liabilities into strategic assets, reinforcing the role of the U.S. in the international clean energy landscape.
Much Beyond Rare Earths
As NASA and the USGS advance, the complete mapping, expected by spring 2025, could also identify natural hazards, invasive plant species, and various mineral deposits, going far beyond rare earths and further expanding the understanding of America’s mineral wealth.
Ultimately, each pixel captured by the sensors is a clue, each color revealed is a step toward self-sufficiency. NASA’s mission is not just cartographic; it is a pathway to a more sustainable energy future, solid national security, and a more conscious exploration of what lies right beneath our feet.
Ora bem se a América e assim tão rica deve abandonar os países onde estão metidos a roubar essas riquezas e que vivam do que tem, não e só viverem de inveja dos chineses ou outras nações k compram tudo o k e riquesa e não como eles k só roubam as riquezas onde se metem com os dizeres k e democracia eles são **** nada mais
O que precisa acabar é o complexo de vira latas implantado no BR que tem causado muito estrago ao país.
Pesquisa e mapear terra , definir localizar das extração, autorização e investimento do governo, montagem de mineradora e compra de maquinário, equipamentos , no Eua levar no mínimo 5 anos, o mais difícil é pesquisa e desenvolvimento da tecnologia de extração e mão de obra qualificado que está escassez no mercado americano. Levar mais 4ou5anos,assim que EUA ficar pronto os chineses vai liberar a venda e preço baixar para inviabiliza extração e investimento americano, alí a empresa mineradoras falir de novo… isso é jogada americano que já fiz com as refinaria do Brasil no passado.