Overview

• A study published in Geochemical Perspectives Letters reveals that iron-rich magma in extinct volcanoes is highly efficient at concentrating rare earth elements.
• Researchers simulated volcanic eruptions in laboratory conditions, discovering that this type of magma can be up to 200 times more efficient than magma from active volcanoes.
• Rare earth elements are essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and various modern devices, with demand expected to quintuple by 2030.
• China currently dominates the rare earth supply chain, but new findings could enable other countries to become major players and reduce global dependency.
• Potential sites for exploration include extinct volcanoes in the United States, Chile, and Australia, which are already mined for iron-ore, offering a dual benefit for mining companies.