Indium from source to sink: Mechanisms of fractionation within the crust and surface environment

Indium is a rare, post-transition metal that is widely used in modern technological applications such as liquid crystal displays and photovoltaic solar panels. It is one of a number of so-called "e-tech" elements whose supply is considered to be insecure.

Currently very little information exists on the behaviour of indium in geological and environmental systems. The lack of background data inhibits the development of an understanding of the fractionation mechanisms of the metal in geological systems and the natural environment. Little is known about the general background concentrations in different geological terranes, the conditions that lead to ore formation, the metal fluxes into the environment, the environmental sinks and reservoirs, and the bioavailability and ecotoxicity of the metal. This lack of knowledge represents a major impediment to the effective prospecting and extraction of indium.

This project will identify and address the principal gaps in our knowledge of the geology, extraction and environmental dispersal of indium. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the development of robust models for the geological reservoirs of indium, to establish the principal transfer mechanisms between these reservoirs, and to enable for assessments of environmental risks, pathways and sinks.

Catalyst proposal
The most significant impact of this catalyst study will be the development of an international forum for critical metals research, the development of a common framework for indium analysis and for the collection of indium data from geological and environmental materials. The catalyst grant will be the first step towards building a strategy for the diversification of the indium resource base and the stabilization of market prices.

Full proposal
The evidence collected through the full proposal will allow for the development of predictive strategies for indium exploration and facilitate predictions of environmental effects. An ultimate goal of the research will be to stabilize the market for indium with a diverse and predictable global production base. A stable global market will benefit low-carbon policy makers as well as solar panel and flat screen manufacturers.
A particular aspiration will be to stimulate exploration activities in Southwest UK and Wales and in this way to contribute to the revival of mining, regional economic development and wealth creation in economically disadvantaged regions. The development of UK (or EU) based resources is critical to gain independence of a strongly fluctuating supply market.
The research will also lead to the development of a national environmental baseline study of natural background concentrations, reservoirs, pathways and risks associated with the dispersion of indium from mine waste. This will allow for the development of appropriate measures to improve environmental safety and mitigate risks. The pathways to impact are designed to facilitate that within and beyond the life cycle of the project.

As the project progresses, activities will be communicated through workshops, international networking activities, and a dedicated website with a cascading structure and blog. Engagement with the wider community will be actively sought through networking activities. Scientific results will be communicated through leading international journals and data offered for incorporation into national and international geochemical databases (such as G-BASE and GEMAS).