“Volcanic soup” could be the next big source of minerals: Geologists are exploring the potential of tapping into magmatic brine, a mineral-rich substance found beneath volcanoes, for resources like lithium, copper, and cobalt, The Financial Times reported last week.

How is it better than traditional mining practices? This unconventional form of mining is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods, FT writes. Magmatic brine, which forms deep below the Earth's surface, contains valuable minerals in solution, requiring less processing and generating less waste compared to land-based mining.

There are challenges: Volcanic brine mining involves drilling into hot and acidic environments that can cause corrosion and collapse in wells, according to FT. Engineers are tasked with finding a way to drill 4 km deep into rocks that reach 400°C and must be wary to avoid premature metal deposition.

An answer to the potential critical mineral crisis? Lithium production will need to increase 10 times by 2050, while cobalt and silver demand will increase by sixfold and double respectively, according to The Guardian. Magmatic mining offers a way to meet these needs that isn’t energy intensive or damaging to the ecosystem. Some 2k volcanoes around the world are currently viable sources for critical minerals.

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