Description

Critical raw materials (CRMs) are raw materials which are economically and strategically important for society, but for which long-term supply is not secure. The CRMs needed for the Energy Transition are a special concern and their exploration has high priority worldwide. They include Rare Earth Elements (REE, such as neodymium) for magnets in the generators of wind-turbines, and lithium for batteries of electric vehicles. In addition, recycling of end-of-life materials containing these elements (e.g., urban mining) is a growing field. Here are examples of possible academic research projects that can ultimately contribute to securing a global supply of critical materials.

Objectives and Methodology

Spectral detection and identification of REE minerals like REE-fluorocarbonates (e.g., bastneasite) and REE-silicates like eudialyte is still in its infancy, despite the key role that spectroscopy can play in the exploration and/or production phase of an REE resource. In this project we will specifically test whether spectral absorption features in the visible light and in the longwave infrared part of the spectrum can be used to detect and identify REE-minerals in drill core and lab samples by means of imaging spectroscopy.
In the project, spectroscopy techniques will be combined with other geochemical and mineralogical techniques such such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and ‘wet chemistry’ techniques such as ICP-AES and/or ICP-MS.
Rock samples from a number of potential REE resources around the world are available for the project.

Further reading