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The research will also investigate new processes to lower the environmental impact of extracting the rare earth elements (REEs).

The university is receiving £400,000 to fund a post-doctoral researcher working on experimental studies of rare earth behaviour on mineral surfaces, and a PhD studentship to work on the behaviour of the elements in enriched rock types, from magmatic to weathering systems.

Leading the university’s project is Dr Martin Smith, Reader in Geology in the School of Environment and Technology. Funding for the four-year project has come from the Natural Environment Research Council and the university will be working with the overall project lead, Cambourn School of Mines at Exeter University, and with Leeds University, the British Geological Survey, Sheffield University and St Andrews University.

Dr Smith said REEs are part of a group of elements fundamental to the production of high-technology equipment and renewable energy generation. He said these were increasingly in demand for the production of high-powered magnets in wind turbines.

He said: “Neodymium magnets are also essential components for hybrid cars with electric motors, and rare earth elements are also used in catalysts, alloys, and phosphors used in energy efficient lighting and display screens, glass and polishing materials and ceramics.”

Dr Smith said: “This is an exciting, multidisciplinary, research project which we hope will lead us to secure and low-environmental-impact supplies of critical rare earth elements.”

Read more about the PhD post.