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We must mine more to mine less - rare and elusive minerals are the key for powering a sustainable future. This evening, we take a look at the metals that'll make space travel possible, and the explosive processes which make them. This night is kindly sponsored by the Cardiff University School of Earth and Ocean Sciences.
Shaker Maker: What do earthquakes have to do with gold?
Dr James Lambert-Smith
(Lecturer in Exploration and Resource Geology in School of Earth and Ocean Sciences)
Humanity has long been fascinated with gold. The rarity of gold in the Earth’s upper crust and our preoccupation with its beauty ensure its status as an expensive and highly sought after commodity. We are similarly fascinated by earthquakes, though for very different reasons. In this talk I will discuss the link between these seemingly disparate human interests, and how this is helping to ensure that we have all the gold we want.
Metals of the future
Dr Katie McFall
(Research Associate in School of Earth and Ocean Sciences)
If we can’t grow it we have to get it out of the ground. Metals and mining have always been key to society, but what happens when new technologies need new metals? In this talk I will introduce the metals of the future; essential for electric cars, renewable energy, and even space travel. In particular, I’ll be talking about Tellurium and Selenium, elements needed for solar panels and how we are exploring ancient volcanoes to find new sources of these critical metals. Journey back through Earth’s history to find out how the past is key to finding the metals needed for humanity’s future.
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