What makes seabed rare earth deposits more accessible than terrestrial ores?

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Seabed Rare Earth Deposits Offer Greater Accessibility Than Terrestrial Ores Due to Mineralogical Properties

Seabed rare earth element (REE) deposits are considered more accessible than terrestrial hard rock ores primarily because the heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) are adsorbed onto the surfaces of minerals. This surface adsorption, particularly on minerals like phillipsite, involves weaker chemical bonding compared to the strongly bonded crystalline lattices found in terrestrial ores. Consequently, the extraction process for seabed deposits is less energy-intensive and avoids the need for harsh conditions.
HREEs Adsorbed on Mineral Surfaces

In subsea environments, HREEs are predominantly found adsorbed onto the surfaces of various minerals, such as phillipsite. This physical state means the elements are not deeply embedded within a mineral's crystalline structure, making them easier to access. This contrasts sharply with terrestrial hard rock ores where REEs are locked within a robust crystalline lattice.
Less Energy-Intensive Extraction Methods

The weaker chemical bonding associated with surface-adsorbed HREEs allows for a more efficient extraction process. Unlike terrestrial ores, which require significant mechanical crushing, grinding, and complex chemical cracking at high temperatures, seabed deposits can be processed with less demanding methods. This also means avoiding the large volumes of radioactive tailings, specifically thorium and uranium, often associated with terrestrial mining.
Avoidance of Harsh Chemical and Thermal Treatments

The nature of seabed deposits means that extraction does not necessitate the use of large quantities of strong acids or high-temperature calcination. These are common, energy-intensive, and environmentally challenging steps in processing terrestrial REE ores. The reduced need for such harsh treatments contributes to the overall greater accessibility and potential efficiency of extracting HREEs from subsea sediment.

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What makes seabed rare earth deposits more accessible than terrestrial ores?

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