Highlights
- University of Cambridge researchers are creating a global map of rare earth element deposits by studying carbonatite rock formations.
- The research focuses on identifying how lithospheric conditions influence REE concentration, potentially diversifying global mineral supply chains.
- By mapping carbonatite locations, the project aims to reduce geopolitical risks associated with current rare earth element production.
University of Cambridge geoscientists are developing a global atlas to map rare earth element (REE) deposits (opens in a new tab), aiming to improve the understanding of how these critical resources form and locate new, more secure sources. Given the rising demand for REEs in clean energy and technology, and China’s dominant role in their extraction and processing, securing alternative supplies has become a strategic priority for many nations. Professor Sally Gibson and her team are focused on the role of carbonatite, a rare igneous rock rich in REEs, in forming viable deposits, shifting the perspective from isolated geological curiosities to global-scale patterns.
By combining geophysical and geochemical analyses, the project examines how Earth’s lithosphere—its outermost layer—affects carbonatite formation and REE concentration. Using seismic data, the team has identified that carbonatites predominantly occur along steep margins of thick, ancient lithosphere, typically found at the cores of continents. Their research suggests that similar to how kimberlites (diamond-bearing rocks) only form under specific lithospheric conditions, certain carbonatite formations may be more likely to host economically significant REE deposits.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. A refined map predicting REE-rich carbonatite locations could help diversify the global supply chain, reducing reliance on China and mitigating geopolitical risks. If successful, this model could guide future exploration efforts, influencing government policies and private sector investments in securing critical mineral resources. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating geophysics, geochemistry, and statistical modeling, to solve complex geological challenges with direct economic and strategic impacts.
According to Professor Sally Gibson from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences, “These are critical raw materials; critical both because we need them in almost every gadget and technology, but also because the supply chain is so precarious.” “We really need to identify rare earth deposits which have a security of supply,” said Gibson, who currently holds a £1-million project to investigate how rare earth element deposits form, research that could help guide efforts to pinpoint new, economically viable sources.
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