Ancient tectonic processes are the key to locating rare minerals

New research from Adelaide University has revealed that geological processes dating back billions of years are critical to locating the rare earth elements needed for modern technologies and the global clean energy transition. Published in Science Advances, the study shows a strong global link between ancient subduction zones—where tectonic plates collide—and the formation of rare earth element (REE) deposits and carbonatites, a type of hot molten rock called magma, known to host these valuable resources.