A team of geochemists from the University of Göttingen has found surprising indications that the Earth’s metallic core is not as isolated as previously thought. Using an ultra-high-precision analysis method, they detected a unique isotopic signature of ruthenium-100 (100Ru) in lava samples from the Hawaiian Islands. This signature indicates that materials rich in precious metals precious metals such as gold are slowly seeping from the extreme depths of the planet to its surface.
The earth’s core as an active precious metal reservoir
Although the core is buried more than 3,000 kilometers beneath the crust, the results suggest that some of its contents, including gold, platinum and other noble metals, migrate into the Earth’s mantle.
This happens through a slow but continuous flow of superheated rocks that, after ascending over millions of years, feed oceanic volcanic formations such as Hawaii. The trace of the 100Ru isotope is the first tangible evidence of this deep exchange.
This discovery expands the understanding of the planet’s internal dynamics and also has key implications for strategic sectors. The noble metals found are essential in critical technologies such as solar panelspanels, high-performance batteries and wind turbines. Their rarity and high value make them vital resources for the energy transition.
Smarter mining, not deeper
Extracting directly from core remains unfeasible, but understanding these processes allows for fine-tuning exploration in areas where upflow of material has left mineable concentrations.
This opens a way to locate natural deposits natural deposits with less environmental impact, reducing the need for large excavations. The connection between deep geochemistry and sustainability is becoming increasingly evident.
New questions for science
It remains to be known whether this seepage of precious metals has occurred constantly since the formation of the planet or whether it is a more recent phenomenon.
The truth is that this research, published in Natureoffers a new angle for exploring the origin and redistribution of the most coveted the Earth’s most coveted natural resources. Earth’s most coveted natural resources.
Source and photos: University of Göttingen
