In recent years, a group of 17 chemical elements has come to be known as rare earths due to its scarcity: just about 100 grams per ton of rock. But this is not “Geological exclusivity” which makes them desirable, but their growing need in a technological world.
These 17 elements are found in the sixth row of the periodic table, which places them above the previous five in what Regarding the atomic radius or the amount of electrons it has. In this case, the rare earths are formed by 15 lanthanides (the first member of the group is the Lantano), the Scandio and the ititrium.
And they are essential for technology, since they are present in mobiles, refrigerators, microwave, wind turbines, microchips, batteries and even in euro tickets. This means that your need is huge and Having deposits guarantees a table in the discussions of the future, one that right now governs.
The good news, in this section, is that Spain has numerous rare earth deposits, but none has yet begun to be exploited, Although there are some mines that are already very close to it.
The main deposits are found in the Mount Galiñeiro region (Pontevedra), in Ciudad Real (Matamulas), in Castilla y León (Tormes Domo, Salamanca-Zamora) and Castilla-La Mancha (Campo de Montiel, Ciudad Real). Besides, Signs have been identified in other regions such as Extremadura, Granada and the Canary Islands, including an underwater mountain called Tropic.
These days, due to the numerous Active fire foci (more than 20 very worrying according to the authorities) It has been speculated with its relationship with rare earth deposits.
While the European Commission and the Government seek take advantage of these mines to reduce dependence abroad, There are also those who oppose it due to what it would mean, in ecological terms, for the regions where the deposits are.
While it is true that the foci share location in some cases, mainly in regions of Castilla y León and in Galicia, the reality is that neither directly or exclusively close to where these rare earths are found.
Therefore, assume that The fires have some relationship with the deposits or that the deposits themselves could have to do with the expansion of the firesIt is something, right now, completely ventured.