Articles tagged with Economic Geology
A University of Michigan study finds that North America has sufficient rare earth element deposits to support a domestic supply chain, but most are of lower quality than those in China and Australia. The US could prioritize light rare earth elements and cooperate with Canada on heavy ones.
Global wildfire activity in 2025 resulted in destructive and deadly fire events, with 335 million hectares burned globally - 16% below the long-term average. The fires accounted for 38% of all insured natural hazard losses, with Canada experiencing its third consecutive year of extreme fire activity.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa have discovered large volumes of natural hydrogen in the Canadian Shield, which could provide a domestic source of cost-effective energy. The study suggests that harnessing this resource could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local industry hubs.
The Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions (CFIGS) aims to transform WA's economic future in critical minerals through sustainable exploration. The institute offers tailored services, practical insights, and advanced analytical expertise to support efficient and sustainable resource development.
Researchers found that the river recovered its natural shape within four years after mining stopped, but the local economy did not bounce back. The study recommends a fairer, more sustainable model for river sediment extraction to minimize environmental and human impacts.
Researchers at Norway's NTNU are using advanced geophysical methods to improve the accuracy of carbon capture and storage site monitoring. A new laboratory equipped with a mock-up of an undersea storage site allows for real-time testing and validation of monitoring techniques. This breakthrough could reduce costs and improve the effici...
A new study led by Curtin University has shed light on the formation of a promising new niobium deposit in central Australia. The research, published in Geological Magazine, used advanced geochronology and isotope techniques to unravel the complex geological history of the area.
A large region of unusually hot rock deep beneath the Appalachian Mountains in the United States could be linked to Greenland and North America splitting apart 80 million years ago. The 'mantle wave' theory suggests that hot, dense rock slowly peels away from the base of tectonic plates after continents break apart.
A new study provides a comprehensive breakdown of how water injected into the Permian Basin changes subsurface pressures and causes earthquakes. The research offers insights that oil and gas operators and regulators can use to reduce seismicity and associated hazards.
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found a significant cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside US coal ash waste. The study estimates that there could be 11 million tons of accessible rare earth elements in the US coal ash supply, which is nearly 8 times the current domestic reserves.
A research team led by Virginia Tech will test the geologic conditions at the Roanoke Cement Plant for storing 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year for three decades. The project aims to prevent estimated 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.
A new standard in lithium processing has been set with the innovative EDTA-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF) technology, which extracts both lithium and magnesium simultaneously. The method achieves 90% lithium recovery and turns leftover magnesium into a valuable product, reducing waste and its environmental impact.
Researchers from Göttingen University identified the low crystallisation temperatures and groundwater origin of amethyst geodes in northern Uruguay. The study proposes a new model explaining their formation, which could improve exploration techniques and lead to sustainable mining strategies.
A new study suggests that using a combination of smaller impermeable barriers, known as a 'composite confining system,' can effectively trap CO2 for long-term storage. This approach is considered more efficient than traditional caprock-sealed reservoirs, which can be prone to leaks.
Researchers found that salt marsh restoration can reduce flood risk, preserve habitats, and provide recreational opportunities. The study also emphasizes the importance of integrating nature-based solutions into comprehensive climate resilience strategies to mitigate future climate change impacts.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are exploring natural catalysts to produce hydrogen gas from iron-rich rocks without emitting CO2. This process, known as geologic hydrogen production, has the potential to significantly increase global hydrogen production and offer a low-carbon emission footprint.
The project aims to collect core samples and temperature data down to 15,000 feet to test the potential of geothermal energy in the region. Data will also be gathered on underground carbon storage in the Appalachian basin, a scientific first in the state.
The University of Texas at Austin is helping the Port of Corpus Christi determine if it can permanently store greenhouse gas emissions from industrial operations beneath the seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico. The project aims to store carbon dioxide emissions in geological formations deep beneath the seafloor, reducing atmospheric emissions.
Scientists have developed a new toolkit to aid in the discovery of porphyry-type copper deposits, crucial for green technologies. The study provides a textural framework for exploration geologists to assess deposit architecture before employing more invasive techniques.
A new Digital Solutions Hub will provide a gateway to interconnected toolkits and resources, integrating existing data sources on pollution, flooding, biodiversity, geology, carbon capture, and environmental health. The hub aims to improve decision-making by providing cross-sectional data for informed decisions in various sectors.
Ancestral puebloans in Chaco Canyon thrived for over a millennium through indigenous agriculture and water irrigation, but their activities led to environmental degradation. The researchers found significant changes in the local woodlands beginning around 600 B.C., contributing to severe erosion and cropland deterioration.
A team of researchers has demonstrated how a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can mitigate against negative environmental impacts in metal mining explorations. The new approach helps identify potential 'hot-spots' before extraction operations begin, allowing geologists to select targets with lower environmental impacts.
A WVU-led research team will test the potential of geothermal energy by drilling three miles into the ground. The project aims to reduce carbon footprint and decrease energy costs for the university, with potential implications for industries across West Virginia.
The Gulf Coast region is well-positioned to develop a carbon storage economy, thanks to its unique geology and high concentration of industry. The study highlights the region's potential for capturing and storing CO2, which can help reduce emissions in the near term.
Researchers at FAU have discovered a way to find previously unknown deposits of rare earths worldwide using fayalite crystals in sediment of granite-like magma. This discovery is crucial for addressing the scarcity of heavy rare earth elements on the global market.
Researchers found that annual river ice cover will decline by about six days for every one degree Celsius increase in global temperatures, affecting communities and industries. The study also detected widespread declines in monthly river ice coverage, particularly in the Tibetan Plateau, eastern Europe, and Alaska.
Research at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting explores geoheritage, a concept that connects people, landscapes, and geological processes. By preserving America's geoheritage, communities can experience local economic benefits through geology-related tourism.
Berroqueña stone, traditionally used in Madrid's monuments such as El Escorial and Puerta de Alcalá, is proposed for Global Heritage Stone Province status. This recognition would promote trade and employment in rural areas of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.
Extensive world deltas will be lost due to rising sea levels, with major cities like Shanghai, Dhaka, and Bangkok facing inundation. The retention of sand, mud, and vegetation is not fully understood, hindering development of maintenance strategies.
Researchers develop a mathematical model explaining the two-phase process of abrasion that makes rocks rounder. The study reveals that abrasion reduces rock size only after it becomes smooth, providing new insights into erosion and sediment travel in rivers.
Lorena Moscardelli presents a terrestrial, deep-water analogy to support the existence of an ancient Martian ocean. She documents boulder-size rocks on Mars' northern plains that are similar to blocks transported by subaqueous mass-transport events in Earth's deep water environments.
Dr. Scott Tinker receives AGI award for his documentary Switch, which has reached an estimated 3 million people globally and screened at over 350 universities. He is also a prominent figure in building bridges between academia, industry, and government.
Researchers have discovered that mine waste rock has significant CO2 sequestration potential, which could be economically valued and used to offset emissions. The technology has the potential to capture five to ten times more CO2 than total greenhouse gas production from some mine operations.
A father-son team has developed a mathematical model to balance costs and benefits of different disaster protection strategies. The approach considers optimization techniques and helps communities make informed choices about protection measures.
A joint program between Shell and the University of Texas at Austin aims to address challenges in the unconventional oil and gas industry through research and collaboration, focusing on developing safe and responsible methods for harnessing shale gas resources.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at Michigan State University is developing a sustainability plan for the Ogallala Aquifer, which stores nearly as much water as Lake Erie and Lake Huron combined. The plan aims to address economic and sociological issues affecting the aquifer's management, ensuring sustainable water-use practices...
The University of Texas at Austin will design and oversee a monitoring plan for a carbon capture and storage demonstration project in southeast Texas. The project aims to reduce emissions of CO2 from a coal-fired power plant and demonstrate advanced technology for enhanced oil recovery.
The American Geological Institute (AGI) has released a report on the state of the geoscience economy, analyzing productive activity, commodity pricing, and gross domestic product contribution. The report integrates data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the geosciences workforce and economic indicators.
The Advanced Energy Consortium aims to improve oil and gas production by developing intelligent subsurface micro and nanosensors. The technology will help characterize reservoirs in three dimensions, increasing recovery rates of existing and new hydrocarbon resources.
A University of Washington economic geologist argues that mineral resources, including oil, are virtually unlimited due to technological advancements and changing economics. Despite concerns about climate change, Cheney believes that with proper management, resources will remain available for those who can afford them.
Fluid inclusions hold clues to understanding metal deposit formation and tracking oil deposits. By studying inclusions, scientists can predict where new fields may be discovered and uncover evidence of water and life on other planets.
The USGS has released the World Petroleum Assessment 2000, revealing a 20% increase in undiscovered oil and a slight decrease in natural gas. Potential additions to reserves from reserve growth are nearly as large as estimated undiscovered resource volumes.
The USGS has reported that at least 1,025 people have been killed in earthquakes this year, exceeding the total for 1996. The country-specific data highlights significant risks to public safety, particularly in Iran where a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck and killed over 965 people.
The USGS National Earthquake Information Center lost near real-time data from the AT&T Telstar 401 satellite, but regional networks and cooperation with other seismic networks maintained earthquake monitoring. Smaller earthquakes are now harder to track due to slower reporting times.