Rare earth elements: critical ingredients for the global renewable energy transition

Presented by: Assoc Prof Carl Spandler

Abstract:

The surging global embrace of high-tech applications and clean energy is accelerating demand for the critical metals that enable these applications. Forty years ago, use of metals such as the rare earth elements were limited to specialist military and industrial applications, whereas today they comprise essential components of electric vehicles, high-powered magnets used in energy generation, and modern computer/ telecommunication systems.

Presently, the world’s supply of rare earth elements is dominated by China, which represents a significant geopolitical risk to the western world. This risk of supply of critical metals is a foremost challenge facing progress of modern society and climate change mitigation.

This talk will briefly review the current status of rare earth element uses, supply and demand, and then will outline the geological conditions required to form rare earth element orebodies in the Earth’s crust. Fortunately, Australia has highly prospective geology for rare earth element orebodies and, hence, has the potential to become a major global supplier of critical metals into the future.

Event Details:

Thursday, 26th May, 2022
Luncheon: 12 pm for a 12:30 pm start

Will include a brief SA/NT Branch AGM.

Place: Ayer’s House, 288 North Tce, Adelaide

Includes a 2-course lunch and drinks

Tickets:
Student Members – $25
Members – $60
Non-members – $75

Bookings close 1 pm Monday, May 23rd.
Any late bookings will incur an additional $20 fee. Strictly no walk-ins.