Description: This PhD research will delve into the fractionation processes of carbonatites as they transition towards highly evolved liquids such as magmas, brines, and melts. The project will employ high-pressure experimentation techniques, including cold seal and piston-cylinder experiments, alongside advanced synchrotron-based spectroscopic methods:
- X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
- X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES)
- Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS)
Benefits: This research will provide valuable insights into the processes controlling the formation and enrichment of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical metals (CMs) in carbonatites. The findings will support the development of more efficient exploration and extraction techniques for these important resources, bolstering Australia’s position as a leading player in the global critical minerals market.
Photo from Experimental Petrology | ANU Research School of Earth Sciences
