Uncovering Rare Earth Elements in Extinct Volcanoes
Mount Thielsen, an extinct volcano located north of Crater Lake in Oregon, last erupted approximately 300,000 years ago. Despite its dormant state, this once fiery giant may hold a valuable secret within its iron-rich magma – rare earth elements. Recent lab-based experiments have shed light on the potential presence of these highly sought-after elements in the remnants of extinct volcanoes, opening up new possibilities for sourcing these crucial materials.
Extinct volcanoes, such as Mount Thielsen, are defined by scientists as volcanic mountains that are believed to have ceased erupting permanently. Unlike active or dormant volcanoes, which may still pose a threat of eruption, extinct volcanoes have undergone significant erosion and other geological processes that indicate their volcanic activity has come to an end. Mount Thielsen’s cold and quiet demeanor serves as a stark contrast to its turbulent past, making it a prime candidate for exploration into the rare earth elements hidden within its ancient magma.
Rare earth elements, a group of 17 elements including gadolinium, praseodymium, cerium, samarium, lanthanum, and neodymium, play a crucial role in the production of modern devices and technologies. From smartphones and flat-screen televisions to renewable energy technologies like wind turbines and electric car batteries, these elements are essential components that drive innovation and sustainability. While rare earth elements are not actually scarce in nature, their extraction from mineral ores can be a challenging and costly process.
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Geochemical Perspectives Letters on September 24, researchers from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Australia National University delved into the potential of extinct volcanoes as untapped sources of rare earth elements. Led by geochemist Michael Anenburg, the team conducted experiments to simulate volcanic eruptions using rocks similar to those found in iron-rich extinct volcanoes. The results were nothing short of remarkable.
The Potential of Extinct Volcanoes
One of the key findings of the study was the high concentration of rare earth metals in the iron-rich magma of extinct volcanoes. Unlike the magmas commonly associated with active volcanoes, which are less efficient at concentrating these elements, the iron-rich magma found in extinct volcanoes proved to be up to 100 times more effective at trapping rare earth elements. This discovery opens up a new avenue for researchers to explore the vast potential of these ancient volcanic remnants as valuable sources of rare earth elements.
By subjecting rocks similar to those found in iron-rich extinct volcanoes to high temperatures in a pressurized furnace, the researchers were able to observe the formation of magmatic-hydrothermal fluid bubbles and iron oxide-bubble pairs. These mineralogical indicators pointed to the presence of rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium within the magma, providing concrete evidence of the potential wealth hidden within these geological relics.
Implications for the Future
The implications of these findings are far-reaching, especially in light of the growing demand for rare earth elements in various industries. As countries around the world increasingly turn to renewable energy and cleaner technologies to combat climate change, the need for these essential elements is expected to skyrocket in the coming years. China currently boasts the largest known deposit of rare earth elements, while other countries like Sweden, Australia, and the United States also hold significant reserves.
Extinct volcanoes, with their unique geological characteristics and potential for rare earth element enrichment, could become valuable assets in the quest for sustainable sources of these critical materials. While the study is still in the experimental stage, the researchers’ findings point to a promising future where ancient volcanoes could play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for rare earth elements. However, the exploration of these geological treasures is not without its challenges.
As with any mining endeavor, the extraction of rare earth elements from extinct volcanoes carries inherent risks, especially in the absence of comprehensive geological data on some potentially extinct volcanic sites. While diamonds and copper are already mined in eroded or extinct volcanic areas, the prospect of tapping into rare earth elements presents a new set of challenges that must be carefully navigated to ensure environmental sustainability and economic viability.
In conclusion, the study of rare earth elements in extinct volcanoes represents a fascinating intersection of geology, chemistry, and resource management. As researchers continue to uncover the hidden treasures within these ancient landforms, the potential for harnessing rare earth elements from these geological relics could revolutionize the global supply chain for these essential materials. The journey into the depths of extinct volcanoes may hold the key to unlocking a sustainable and secure source of rare earth elements for generations to come.