The geochemistry of rare earth elements in carbonate melts.

This project aims to determine why deposits of rare earth elements, which are critical for modern devices and technologies, such as phones, tablet and plasma screens, are associated with carbonate magmas. The global supply of these critical metals is geopolitically unstable and although Australia has significant reserves there is very limited production. By improving our understanding of the geochemical behaviour of the rare earths we aim to develop new reverse-engineering methods for their extraction, which will improve the security of supply of these elements and enhance Australia's role in high-tech industries.