New critical mineral source: Ocean plate stratigraphy accreted to Gondwana

Global transition to a new green economy is contingent on the availability of critical elements especially Rare Earths and Yttrium (REY). Stable and reliable supply of these commodities is geopolitically precarious. Deep sea muds containing extremely rich REY resources covering the Pacific Ocean floor were discovered by University of Tokyo researchers. However, their recovery is complicated by technological and environmental issues. Fortunately, plate tectonics brings ocean floor sedimentary rocks onshore in subduction complexes. This project will investigate cherts in eastern Australia to ascertain their potential as a previously unrecognised resource that can contribute to global inventories of sustainably recoverable critical minerals.