Scientists have proposed extracting valuable metals from volcanic magma

Scientists have suggested extracting valuable metals from volcano magma while simultaneously generating geothermal energy. Extracting resources from volcanic gas is currently unlikely, but extracting them from underlying layers holds significant potential.

There are approximately 2000 volcanoes worldwide that could serve as sources of raw materials. At least 15 European countries have active or dormant volcanoes that could be suitable for metal mining and geothermal energy production.

Researchers provide figures indicating that active volcanoes like Mount Etna in Italy emit around 20 tons of copper and 10 kilograms of gold per day in the form of volcanic gases.

However, the enormous growth in metal demand poses one of the obstacles on the path to a low-carbon future, as conventional mining methods are energy-intensive and environmentally damaging.