TELF AG on clay deposits' potential for rare earths production
The new centrality of unconventional sources
Key resources for technology and energy transition
As the world strives for more clean energy solutions, rare earth elements are increasingly prominent in the global shift toward cleaner technologies. These materials are useful in producing everything from electric vehicles to wind turbines and high-tech electronics. While light rare earths, such as lanthanum and cerium, are more abundant and accessible to source, the demand for heavier elements like dysprosium and terbium is growing, as they are central for high-performance applications.
Traditionally, rare earths have been sourced from geological deposits like carbonatites and bastnasite ores, which are rich in these valuable metals. However, an emerging field of study, particularly in Australia, is focused on sourcing rare earths from clay deposits. This innovative approach may provide a new source of these key materials, especially heavy rare earths.
Understanding the processes that lead to the formation of rare earths is key to successfully tapping into clay deposits for rare earth production. Researchers from the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub use advanced geoscientific techniques, including geophysics and remote sensing, to identify where rare earths are most likely to be found in clay-rich areas. By examining the mineralogical and geological factors that influence the formation of rare earths, scientists hope to refine their search for these resources, making exploration more efficient.
Deeper insights
The research focuses on the chemical alterations that may occur in the host rocks, which could reveal the presence of rare earths. By gaining deeper insight into the processes that produce and concentrate these materials, geologists can more accurately map regions where rare earths might be found in relevant quantities. This level of detail could be transformative in guiding future exploration efforts.
For Australia, studying clay deposits and their potential for rare earth sourcing is not just an academic pursuit but part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country's position in the global rare earth supply chain. Australia is a major exporter of rare earths, but the goal is to shift towards processing these materials domestically, adding value before they are shipped overseas.
Unlike the complex processes involved in rare earth separation and refining, typically carried out in a few specialized regions, Australia's plan aims to simplify and streamline the sourcing of these materials from clay deposits. By focusing on getting rare earths from these easily accessible sources, Australia could enhance its processing capabilities, moving beyond its current role as a raw material exporter.