With source points for rare earth metals, well, rare and often in other parts of the globe, the Kansas Geological Survey has started an effort to see whether those materials can be found much closer to home.
Scientists are collaborating with the independent oil and gas firm Mull Companies to drill and core a well in Lyon County. The location has not been announced.
The goal is to evaluate rock layers that may have elevated levels of critical minerals, used in electronics or other advanced technologies. The Geological Survey says its current effort is focused on “energy transition” for items like batteries or wind and solar power.
Typically, the minerals in question come from places like China, considered an adversary with the United States, and India. Those mineral supply chains are considered as high risk in case of disruptions.
More study of the Lyon County core sample is coming. The research is being funded from the US Department of Energy and has collaborators from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and the Osage Nation. Companies like Lighthouse Drilling, Kudu Coring and ELI Wireline.
