Ocean-Floor Sediments as a Resource of Rare Earth Elements: An Overview of Recently Studied Sites

The rare earth elements (REE), comprising 15 of the lanthanum series (La-Lu) together with yttrium (Y) and scandium (Sc), have become particular interest because their use, for example, in modern communications, renewable energy generation, electrification transport. However, security supply REE is considered to be at risk due limited number sources, dependence largely on one supplier that produced approximately 63% all 2019. As a result, there growing need diversify supply. This has resulted drive seek new resources elsewhere, particularly deep-ocean floor. Here, we give summary distribution minerals, versatile applications, an update economic value. We present most typical onshore methods determination examine offshore exploration near real time. motivation this comes from recent studies over past decade showed ?REE concentrations as high 22,000 ppm ocean-floor sediments Pacific Ocean. are evaluated terms potential REE, while likely cost environmental impacts deep-sea mining these also considered.