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Scientists in Australia want to build what they describe as a “downward looking telescope” to look for mineral wealth under the Earth’s surface.

The “telescope” is really a project aimed at increasing understanding of the geology, or physical structure, of Australia.

Scientists want to combine different kinds of geological information and create a three-dimensional (3-D) map of the Earth’s interior. Their hope is to show details of rocks and minerals to a depth of at least 300 kilometers under the surface.

The Australian Academy of Sciences released details of the project earlier this month. It is part of a 10-year plan for increasing geological science research.

The Academy said in its report that geoscience is very important for Australia’s education system and economy.

The plan recognizes the importance of mobile technology, renewable energy and other technologies, like those needed for electric vehicles. Researchers say development of these technologies will lead to a huge increase in demand for some minerals. They include copper, cobalt, gold and what are called rare-earth elements.

Many other important minerals are also believed to exist, hidden beneath Australia.

Sue O’Reilly is with the Australian Academy of Sciences. She described the mapping project this way.

“We can map the geology of the interior of the Earth just like we currently map the surface of the Earth by walking over it and physically looking at the rocks that we see.”

O’Reilly said the map will be put together virtually by using powerful computers. When completed, she believes it will help scientists predict where to look for geological formations and mineral resources. O’Reilly said 90 percent of the work will be done with computers and computer modelling of geological processes.

The project would bring together very different kinds of information about the Earth. It would include measurements of seismic waves made by earthquakes. Scientists also would use information about the electrical and magnetic qualities of rocks deep underground. Other sources would include samples from volcanoes and satellite imaging data.

All this information would then be combined with computer and experimental models.

Minerals needed for future industry

Australian scientists believe that by 2030, worldwide demand for the mineral cobalt will be almost 50 times greater than it was in 2016. They are concerned that if Australia cannot produce enough of the metal for its own industries, the country will face shortages, delays and very high prices.

Cobalt is important to the production of long-lasting batteries that power electronic cars and other devices. It is estimated that about 300 companies around the world are searching for new supplies of cobalt.

O’Reilly said that future demand for Australia’s mineral resources requires an increased knowledge of geoscience.

The plan provides evidence of the weakness of geoscience studies in Australia’s education system, and the need to develop a new generation of scientists.

The Academy also noted the need to “expand Australia’s national computing capability” so that the country can continue to develop its geological computer models.

I’m Mario Ritter.

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Words in This Story

dimensional – adj. of or related to a measurement in any one direction

interior – n. an inner part or area

mobile – adj. being moved; changeable in purpose

virtually – adv. existing or occurring on computers or the internet

seismic – adj. of, relating to, or caused by earthquakes

battery – n. something that produces electric current