April Speaker: "The Geology of Rare Earth Element Minerals" by C. Leigh Broadhurst

by Laura Dwyer, MSDC Member

Our speaker for the evening, Dr. C. Leigh Broadhurst, will speak with us about the geology of rare earth elements (REEs). These important elements are critical for modern manufacturing, computer applications, and defense technology and play an important role in meeting the increasing demand for clean and efficient energy. Electric vehicles, permanent magnets, rechargeable batteries, wind turbines, and catalytic converters — as well as cell phones, flat screen display panels, and laptop computers all rely on the unique properties of rare earth elements.

REE minerals are commonly found in ancient shield rocks or in very unusual geologic areas where continental crust is rifting, such as East Africa. The ancient deposits reflect a plate tectonic system that differs from the current configuration. The rift deposits are often phosphate minerals and can be radioactive! China currently controls more than 90 percent of REE production, which has important implications for international trade and our national security.

Dr. Broadhurst holds a Ph.D. in Planetary Geochemistry and Physical Chemistry from the University of Arizona and a B.S in Geology from the University of Maryland. Her geological research has been focused on rocks of mantle origin that help to categorize the origin of the Earth and its plate tectonic system. Dr. Broadhurst recently retired from the Moon Kim Sensors Development Group
in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.