A team of scientists from the CONICET is conducting an exploration of rare earths in the paleocoasts of the province of Buenos Aires. This ambitious project has the collaboration of the municipality of Patagones, involving the local community in the early stages of excavation and field research.
Research on rare earths in Buenos Aires paleocoasts
Paleocoasts are remnants of ancient coastal areas now buried under layers of sediments. These formations have preserved significant levels of minerals that accumulated over millennia thanks to marine action and ocean currents.
Rare earths, categorized as critical minerals, play a crucial role in the energy transition projected for the coming decades. Their relevance is due to the increase in their demand and the fact that their processing is concentrated in a few countries.
According to researcher Ernesto Schwarz from CONICET, the aim is to identify the location of these lands, essential for the manufacture of electric motors that are more energy efficient.
Argentina stands out in the production of lithium, but it must diversify its energy sources. Schwarz emphasizes the need to exploit these resources sustainably to ensure sovereignty and generate wealth with minimal environmental impact.
The black sands of the paleocoasts, such as those of Carmen de Patagones, are an indication of the presence of rare earths. Exploring these areas allows minimizing the impact on current beaches and dunes.
To support this research, interactive maps are being developed that will detail the concentration of minerals in each paleocoast, facilitating the creation of public policies and regulations on good practices.
The initial analysis of the collected samples is being carried out at the Geological Research Center (CIG) and other CONICET laboratories at the regional level.
