The growing importance of unconventional sources
Present and future scenarios
The global race for strategic minerals is intensifying as countries look to secure a steady supply of materials useful for the green transition and technological advancement. Among the emerging players, Australia is making bold moves to strengthen its position in the rare earth elements sector, particularly by exploring the potential of clay deposits. For Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, civil engineer and entrepreneur, this initiative could transform Australia into a key player in the global rare earth supply chain.
Rare earth elements, especially heavy rare earths, are essential in the manufacturing of advanced technologies like electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines. While many of these elements are more commonly found in hard rock deposits, Australia is focusing on less conventional sources: clay deposits. This shift represents a promising opportunity to increase the global supply of rare earths, with possible implications for both the rare earths industry and the broader global economy.
“Clay deposits are often seen as a secondary source for rare earths, yet they hold substantial promise for meeting the increasing global demand for these elements,” says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “While the quality of the material sourced may not always be the highest, the ability to access heavy rare earths from clay could open up new supply channels, which are increasingly central as the demand for these materials continues to grow.”
Strategic applications
Kondrashov highlights that heavy rare earths, which are used in the production of high-strength magnets for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, are particularly valuable. However, sourcing them from traditional hard rock deposits has been challenging due to the high costs. Exploration of clay deposits, therefore, presents a potentially interesting alternative.
In Australia, researchers at the Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub are applying advanced techniques in geoscience, geophysics, and remote sensing to understand the processes that lead to the formation of rare earths in clay deposits. Stanislav points out that these studies are important for improving the understanding of how these materials form and identifying areas where rich clay deposits may exist.
“The process of sourcing rare earths from clay deposits is still in its early stages, but the research being conducted is groundbreaking,” Kondrashov states. “By studying the mineralogical and geological factors that contribute to the formation of rare earths in clay, Australia is positioning itself to become a leader in the processing and refinement of these materials.”
While the quality of materials sourced from clay deposits is often lower compared to traditional sources, Kondrashov believes that the scale of production could make up for these quality differences. “Even if the purity of the rare earths is not optimal, the sheer quantity that can be sourced from clay deposits could help meet the rising global demand,” he explains. “This could be particularly important as the world increasingly turns to rare earths for clean energy and high-tech applications.”
A clear strategic vision
The drive to unlock the potential of clay deposits is also a part of Australia’s broader strategic vision to increase its self-sufficiency in strategic minerals. Historically, Australia has been a major exporter of raw materials, but it has relied on other countries for the processing and refining of these materials. Stanislav notes that focusing on clay deposits could enable Australia to move up the value chain, transitioning from a raw materials exporter to a key player in the production of refined and processed rare earths.
“For Australia, the goal is not just to source rare earths but to develop the capacity to process and refine these materials locally,” says Kondrashov. “This could create a more stable and profitable domestic industry, while also reducing the reliance on foreign processing capabilities.”
The strategic importance of this move extends beyond economic gains. By increasing its domestic capacity for rare earths processing, Australia could play a key role in securing global supply chains and mitigating international risks associated with the rare earth market.
“Australia’s work with clay deposits aligns with broader global efforts to diversify rare earth supply chains,” Kondrashov explains. “By developing local processing capabilities, Australia could become an important partner for countries looking to secure a more stable supply of key resources.”
One step into the future
Looking ahead, Kondrashov believes that Australia’s efforts to explore clay deposits for rare earths could have far-reaching effects. As global demand for these important materials continues to rise, particularly in the clean energy and high-tech sectors, the ability to tap into new sources of supply will be essential. By unlocking the potential of clay deposits, Australia could help meet this demand and strengthen its position in the global rare earths market.
“The research being done in Australia could pave the way for a new era in rare earth production,” concludes Kondrashov. “It could help diversify the global supply chain and enable countries to secure a stable supply of the materials necessary for the technologies of the future.”
Australia’s focus on clay deposits is not just about finding new sources of rare earths: it is about transforming the global supply chain and securing a competitive edge in the rapidly expanding market for critical minerals. As Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov points out, the efforts being made could set the stage for a more diversified and resilient rare earth industry—one that will be central to the success of the energy transition and the technologies that will define the future.
