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🗞️ Driving the news: A rare type of magma found in extinct volcanoes may be rich in rare earth elements, critical for clean technologies like electric vehicles and wind turbines
• A new study suggests these iron-rich volcanoes are up to 200 times more efficient at concentrating rare earths compared to typical magma
🔭 The context: Rare earth elements are vital for the green energy transition but are difficult to extract and heavily controlled by China
• The discovery of new deposits in extinct volcanoes in countries like the U.S., Chile, and Australia could diversify the supply chain and reduce the environmental impact of mining
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Finding rare earths in already-mined sites could limit the need for new mining operations, reducing environmental damage while supporting the development of clean energy technologies
⏭️ What's next: This research could guide geologists in locating rich, unexplored rare earth deposits, helping to break global dependence on China
• Some experts also advocate focusing on recycling rare earths from old electronics to further minimize mining
💬 One quote: "We might no longer have to dig up resources from a new place," said study author Michael Anenburg
📈 One stat: Iron-rich magma is 200 times more efficient at concentrating rare earths compared to regular magma
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