Geological processes determine the availability of critical raw materials

Jonathan José Rincon, a postdoctoral researcher in ore geology, is studying the occurrence of critical raw materials in base metal sulfide deposits. The project, titled “Geological controls on critical raw materials in base metal sulfide deposits, is part of the interdisciplinary research project CAMM CRM and aims to strengthen knowledge about Sweden’s potential as a supplier of critical raw materials (CRM).

Rincon’s research focuses on trace elements such as antimony, cobalt, bismuth, gallium, germanium, and indium, several of which are classified as critical by the EU. These are often associated with base metal deposits such as copper, zinc, and lead, as well as the precious metals silver and gold.
“It is still unclear how these trace elements occur geologically and whether they can actually be extracted in a technically sustainable manner,” explains Rincon.

Part of the project involves identifying the geological factors that govern the concentration of these critical elements. This includes temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions in the Earth’s crust, as well as how these factors influence mineral formation and the distribution of elements in various deposits. At the same time, the subsequent value chain is being investigated, with a focus on the processes and technical solutions required to enable the extraction of these substances as byproducts.

The research is driven by the growing need for metals that are essential for
the energy transition and advanced technology, and which can only be obtained through extraction or recycling. By improving the potential to extract critical raw materials as by-products, Sweden can help reduce the EU’s dependence on imports.
“Our modern society is heavily dependent on materials that must be extracted from the Earth’s crust. By understanding how these elements occur, we can also find more efficient ways to extract them,” says Rincon.

The work builds on Rincon’s doctoral dissertation, which identified unusually high concentrations of gallium and germanium in Swedish mineral deposits. The project is also investigating the possibility of extracting critical raw materials from historical
mine tailings in pursuit of a more circular use of resources. The goal of the research is to create a regional understanding of how critical raw materials are geologically distributed in Sweden, as well as to assess their potential as byproducts within the mining industry.
“The hope is that the project will not only provide answers but also open the door to new research questions and contribute to continued development in the field, says Rincon.