Kevin Murphy’s Post

Everything starts with a rock: how geology and geoscientists are essential as we change from damaging to cleaner energy sources Public lecture at Trinity College Dublin, Tuesday, 20th August, 7.00 pm. No Charge, Register here: https://lnkd.in/eHtRGzsT As part of the international “European Mineralogical Conference”, being held in Dublin in 2024, we have invited the Director of the British Geological Survey, Dr Karen Hanghøj, to speak about what is needed in terms of changing the kinds of energy we use to reach a level of harmful emissions which is sustainable. What will she talk about? -         Understanding rocks is essential to a greener future. We need geoscientists for this. -         We need raw materials for the energy transition, including ‘critical metals’. -         We need to recycle geological materials.

Extraction, extraction, extraction! What is that many do not understand about this unsustainable model that is bringing us to bring of "extinction, extinction , extinction" ?! We need models that are circular and sustainable, where we stop extractivist and consumerism model that we are in at the moment and is the reason we are in this crisis on the first place. We need to reuse, repair and lower production, we need to produce what is necessary instead of creating the necessity to buy, we need to value our resources as they are limited and exploring the sea a part of the world we know so little about it ant that plays such an important role in regulating our climate and storing carbon and other gases, plus is key to the lives of the majority of the planet, is not what we need to to and we do not have the right to do either. #planet #CliamteCrisis #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #extinction #consumerism #Deepseamining #Norway #ClimateJustice #carbonsink #science #greed #destruction

Deep sea mining is INSANE. Swiss Re, the major reinsurer, considers it a "high-risk" investment and foresees a lot of technical damage to heavy and expensive deep-sea nodule collectors. Besides, we have no need for these rich metal nodules from the Deep Sea. What we need are better batteries, a circular economy, less car use and, above all, alternatives to e-everything.

Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of our ancient geology. Since the discovery of a 98% pure natural hydrogen gas field in Mali in 2018, explorers around the world are looking for accumulations of natural hydrogen.

To create energy we need rare earth elements as the building blocks for the technology this research “really exemplifies the ‘trash to treasure’ mantra,” said co-lead author Bridget Scanlon, a research professor at UT’s Bureau of Economic Geology at the Jackson School of Geosciences. “We’re basically trying to close the cycle and use waste and recover resources in the waste, while at the same time reducing environmental impacts.”

This morning, #Norway's government came out with the areas it wants to offer companies to explore for #deepseamining: "386 blocks" ... in other words 106,856 sq km. Even more worrisome: Extraction is planned to start in 2030! How on earth is this in line with a #science-led approach??? Back in January, Norway's Energy Minister Aasland told CNBC: “One of the key issues in the debate is we don’t have enough knowledge to decide if we can go to extract these minerals — and I totally agree […] We have to collect more information before we can take a decision about extracting these minerals. That is what this opening is all about. It is not the same as approving extraction.” That didn't age well. Norways own scientific advisory bodies and environment institutions have heavily criticized the government for not fulfilling the minimum criteria for an impact assessment Norwegian Environment Agency 👉 https://lnkd.in/dPCBipGd Institute of Marine Research 👉 https://lnkd.in/daf_85E3 Norwegian Geological Survey 👉 https://lnkd.in/dxe4tPX6 This process should not have been initiated in the first place! #DEFENDtheDEEP #StopDeepSeaMining

[NEW REPORT] In collaboration with the Geological Survey of NSW and the Department of Regional NSW, we took over 300 soil gas samples throughout New South Wales to look for prospective regions for natural hydrogen and helium. While the nature of natural hydrogen resources remains uncertain, Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for sub-surface natural hydrogen, due to our ancient geology and presence of potentially suitable hydrogen traps. An earlier review of occurrences of hydrogen in natural sub-surface rocks found high concentrations in various locations across Australia. During our surveys, we found: ◾ Elevated levels of hydrogen in the Tumut region. ◾ Slightly elevated levels of hydrogen and elevated levels of helium across the Curnamona Province and Delamerian Orogen in far western NSW. By assessing different geological settings and rock types that are thought to be conducive for the generation of hydrogen and helium (together or separately), we were able to identify prospective regions that could potentially lead to the discovery of deeper natural hydrogen and helium gas fields. As a clean fuel, emitting only water vapour and heat when combusted, increasing the use of hydrogen gas is an essential part of Australia’s energy transition. Manufacturing clean hydrogen from electrolysis of water or fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage requires additional energy and can be expensive. Natural hydrogen could potentially provide a more cost-effective source of hydrogen if it can be recovered at low cost from the earth directly for use. Access the report and the comprehensive methodology for soil gas sampling 👉 https://bit.ly/3WdDWVF. 📷 Soil gas sampling by the road

This quote from David Applegate, the US Geological Survey director, highlights the strategic importance of lithium for the energy transition and the U.S. economy. By boosting domestic lithium production, the U.S. could enhance its employment, manufacturing, and supply-chain resilience, reducing reliance on imports. Applegate’s statement underscores how scientific research can drive informed policy and economic strategies, emphasizing the intersection of resource management and economic growth. What specific aspects would you like to discuss in this debate? The economic implications, the environmental considerations, or perhaps the technological advancements needed for lithium production?

Great backgrounder on #Greenland and its #criticalmineral potential. Greenland was discovered by Erik the Red in 982 and has been politically associated with Denmark and Norway since then. Greenland is about the size of Algeria or three times the size of Texas. The geological history of the island dates back to when N. Am. and Europe were one continent. The U.S. interest in Greenland began in 1867 when Seward thought both Greenland and Iceland should be annexed. Lots of minerals but plenty of challenges: 80% of Greenland is under an ice cap, its dark there - a lot- but 2 months of perpetual sunlight, no roads or railroads outside of the few in the cities, lack of geological data, mapping continues and exploration is limited. The legal structure of Greenland is one where the people and Greenland both own the minerals and current law prohibits extraction of critical minerals along with radioactive minerals.

#Midwestern state and provincial legislators are invited to a one-and-a-half-day workshop to gain an understanding about #criticalminerals, their end uses, the importance of regional supply chains, and related public policies in #NorthAmerica. You will be joined by leading experts on critical minerals from organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Natural Resources Canada, the Illinois State Geological Survey, the Critical Minerals Institute and the Rocky Mountain Institute. There is no registration fee for legislative attendees. Participating legislators will be eligible for a travel scholarship. Both registration and travel scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. #supplychain #sustainability #industry #policy #Canada #US