Rhenium: A detailed study of mines and mineral resources
Abstract
Rhenium (Re) is essential to modern transportation due to its uses in the aerospace and petrochemical sectors, where it cannot be easily substituted. This, alongside perceptions of mineral scarcity and complex supply chains have led to Re being classified as a critical metal. Past research has not concluded what resources of Re exist to meet future needs, potentially as Re is a 'by-product of a by-product' - being processed from molybdenum (Mo) concentrates which in turn are commonly by-products from copper (Cu) mining. Perhaps more importantly, there has been little research on which mines are likely to be key for meeting future needs if current supply chains become restricted.
Addressing this, we have compiled a detailed database of mineral deposits reported to host Re, plus deposits which are statistically inferred to contain Re based on their Cu and Mo contents (via regressions developed from geochemical datasets). We also present an analysis of historical Re production and uses, and a review of Re mineralogy and key mineral deposit types. We estimate that at least ~75,000 t Re are present within 192 deposits hosting resources of Cu and Mo, dominantly in Porphyry Cu deposits. This estimate is approximately seven times that of previous global Re resource estimates. With current global demand at only ~50 t Re/yr, this estimate of global Re resources (which is likely a minimum) would be sufficient to meet global demand for centuries, unless new applications trigger increased demand for Re beyond what has been observed to date. As is the case with many other critical metals, the pertinent questions around future supply of Re appear not to be related to resource scarcity, but rather on which mines and refineries represent the best strategic investment for future sustainable supply.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMPA41C1132M
- Keywords:
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- 0215 Economic geology;
- GEOHEALTH;
- 3665 Mineral occurrences and deposits;
- MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY;
- 6324 Legislation and regulations;
- POLICY SCIENCES;
- 6314 Demand estimation;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES