Deeply and intensely weathered landscape in Australia. Top-left: Data collection in a stream system. Top-right: Petrography of a weathered carbonatite.
Rare earth elements (REE) are at the backbone of critical strategic technologies. Carbonatite-associated REE deposits supply nearly 80% of the world’s REE, yet the processes controlling their formation and evolution remain puzzling. This PhD project, supervised by Dr Ignacio González-Álvarez (CSIRO), Prof John Mavrogenes (ANU), Dr Paul Duuring (GSWA) and Joelle D’Andres (ANU), aims to investigate the processes driving the formation of REE and high field strength element deposits in carbonatites exposed to intense and deep weathering, exploring how these basement-cover piercing point develop. It will also investigate how surface processes redistribute their geochemical signatures across sedimentary landscapes. The research will leverage case studies from the Gascoyne and Arunta carbonatite belts in Western Australia, integrating multi-scale geochemical, mineralogical, and isotopic analyses.
BENEFITS: Findings from this research will enhance our understanding of REE ore genesis, with direct implications for exploration strategies. It will also contribute to more efficient detection technologies for REE, contributing to position Australia as a leader in the global REE market. By aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, this research will strengthen Australia’s role in securing critical mineral supply chains and meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Images courtesy of Ignacio González-Álvarez and Siyu Hu (CSIRO).
