As part of a programme on the security of supply of mineral resources funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council, we are building an inter-disciplinary consortium of geoscientists, chemists, mineral physicists and industry end-users to develop and deliver a challenging research program addressing key questions of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) cycling and concentration in magmatic, hydrothermal and low temperature magmatic systems.
At the current "catalyst" stage of the project we will:
Complete a detailed examination and review of the existing literature pertinent to HREE complexation, transport, and mineral formation from hydrothermal fluids and melts. This document will establish the baseline for discussion of core research targets.
Host two invitational Science Innovation Workshops. The first of these will establish working groups, scope research questions, identify experimental, analytical and modelling objectives, review technical requirements and determine preliminary data requirements for a main stage proposal. At the second workshop we will listen to feedback from working groups, synthesise preliminary data, fine-tune research questions and allocate writing responsibilities.
Execute pilot studies aimed at the i) refinement of requirements for microanalytical methods at nano-micro scales required for analysis of time-variant zoned features in natural mineralisation ii) establishing the technical and equipment requirements for spectroscopic measurements of HREE complexation and structure in hydrothermal fluids and melts and iii) undertake a small number of atom-scale simulations to confirm the computational chemistry requirements to interpret spectroscopic data.
The core team for the project is drawn from the School of Geosciences at the University of Edinburgh with additional members from the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, the Diamond Light Source and the Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland. Industrial partners include Tasmet AB and Avannaa Resources. We would welcome the participation from others in industry or academia as we work to focus the research questions which can address problems in the supply of HREEs to society. If you are interested in participating please contact us.