BBC Inside Science – How rare are Greenland’s rare earth elements? – BBC Sounds

The latest episode of BBC Inside Science, broadcast on Radio 4 and available for a limited time on BBC Sounds, delves into pressing scientific and geopolitical questions, from the coveted mineral wealth of Greenland to the complex intersections of chronic illness and the week’s most significant scientific breakthroughs. Presented by Tom Whipple and produced by Clare Salisbury, the episode provides listeners with a deep dive into topics that resonate at the core of global economics, public health, and cutting-edge research.

A central focus of the broadcast is the intriguing question surrounding Greenland’s mineral potential, specifically its "rare earth elements." This discussion gains particular relevance in light of past geopolitical overtures, such as former President Trump’s public interest in acquiring the vast Arctic island. But beyond the headlines, what exactly does Greenland hold, and why are these elements so strategically vital? To unravel this geological mystery, Tom Whipple is joined by Professor Adrian Finch, a distinguished Professor of Geology at St Andrews University, whose extensive experience spans more than three decades of research visits to Greenland.

Professor Finch elucidates that the term "rare earth elements" (REEs) can be somewhat misleading. While they are not inherently rare in the Earth’s crust—some are more abundant than gold—their rarity lies in their concentrated, economically viable deposits. These 17 elements, including scandium and yttrium, along with the fifteen lanthanides, are indispensable components in a vast array of modern technologies. From the magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbines to the vibrant displays of smartphones, sophisticated medical imaging equipment, and advanced defense systems, REEs are the invisible bedrock of the digital and green revolutions. The global demand for these critical minerals is projected to surge in the coming decades as the world transitions to renewable energy sources and increasingly relies on high-tech devices.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, possesses significant, largely untapped deposits of these vital elements. One of the most prominent sites is Kvanefjeld in southern Greenland, which is known to host one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits, alongside uranium. Professor Finch’s decades of geological exploration have provided invaluable insights into why these elements are concentrated in Greenland. The island’s unique geological history, characterized by ancient magmatic activity, particularly alkaline igneous rocks, has created the conditions necessary for the formation of these rich mineral veins. The complexity of extracting these elements is not just geological but also technical and environmental. REEs are often found mixed with other minerals, including radioactive elements like uranium and thorium, which adds considerable challenges to their extraction and processing, requiring sophisticated and environmentally responsible techniques. The potential environmental impact, particularly concerning waste management and the pristine Arctic ecosystem, remains a significant point of contention and careful consideration for any potential mining operations. The geopolitical implications of Greenland’s REE reserves are immense. Currently, China dominates the global supply chain for rare earths, processing approximately 80-90% of the world’s output. Western nations are increasingly eager to diversify their supply sources to reduce dependency on China, enhance their economic security, and ensure the steady flow of materials critical for their technological and defense industries. Greenland’s potential, therefore, represents a strategic opportunity for countries looking to secure their own rare earth supply chains, albeit one fraught with complex political, economic, and environmental considerations.

Beyond the Earth’s crust, the episode transitions to a crucial medical and scientific discussion: the debilitating conditions of Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), often referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Professor Danny Altmann, a renowned immunologist, joins Tom Whipple to discuss an innovative new project aimed at understanding the genetic and metabolic similarities between these two illnesses. Long Covid, a condition where individuals experience a range of persistent symptoms weeks or months after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, has brought a renewed focus to post-viral syndromes. Symptoms can include profound fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness, muscle pain, and neurological issues, mirroring many of the complaints of ME/CFS patients. ME/CFS itself is a severe, chronic, and complex illness characterized by extreme fatigue that is not alleviated by rest, post-exertional malaise (a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion), cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and pain. Often, ME/CFS is triggered by a viral infection, making the parallels with Long Covid particularly striking and prompting researchers to explore potential shared underlying biological mechanisms.

Professor Altmann explains that this new project represents a pivotal moment for both conditions. For years, ME/CFS has been under-researched and often misunderstood, with patients struggling for recognition and effective treatments. The emergence of Long Covid, affecting millions globally, has shone a brighter spotlight on post-viral illness, creating an unprecedented opportunity for scientific collaboration and funding. The project aims to identify common genetic predispositions, specific metabolic dysregulations, and immunological signatures that might explain the persistent symptoms in both Long Covid and ME/CFS. This involves advanced genomic sequencing to look for shared genetic markers, metabolomic studies to analyze changes in the body’s chemical processes, and deep immune profiling to understand how the immune system is functioning (or malfunctioning) in affected individuals. By comparing patient cohorts with both conditions, researchers hope to uncover common pathways of disease, identify reliable diagnostic biomarkers, and ultimately develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Such research is not only crucial for improving the lives of those suffering from these conditions but also for advancing our broader understanding of how viral infections can lead to chronic, debilitating illnesses. The collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patient advocacy groups in this endeavor is paramount to its success, promising a more hopeful future for millions worldwide.

Rounding off the episode, Lizzie Gibney, Senior Physics Reporter at the prestigious journal Nature, offers her expert selection of the most compelling new science from the past week. While specific breakthroughs are not detailed in the summary, Gibney’s segment typically highlights a diverse array of cutting-edge research across various scientific disciplines. This could range from groundbreaking discoveries in quantum physics, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, new insights into cosmic phenomena, novel approaches in materials science, or significant progress in medical research, such as new drug therapies or diagnostic tools. As a senior reporter for Nature, Gibney is uniquely positioned to identify and explain the significance of studies that push the boundaries of human knowledge. Her contribution underscores the BBC Inside Science programme’s commitment to keeping listeners informed about the rapid pace of scientific discovery and its potential impact on society, providing context and clarity to complex research findings.

The episode, edited by Martin Smith and with production co-ordination by Jana Bennett-Holesworth, serves as a testament to the BBC’s dedication to making complex scientific topics accessible and engaging for a broad audience. For those eager to delve deeper into the fascinating world of science, the programme encourages listeners to visit bbc.co.uk, search for BBC Inside Science, and follow the links to The Open University, offering further educational resources and insights into the scientific landscape. This episode of BBC Inside Science provides a compelling snapshot of the interwoven challenges and opportunities at the frontiers of geology, medicine, and scientific journalism, demonstrating the profound impact of research on our understanding of the planet and human health.