Survey for critical raw materials in Malawi East African Rift geothermal areas

In autumn 2023, an expedition to Malawi was undertaken within the framework of the research project “CRM-geothermal”. Within „CRM-geothermal“ we are looking for an environmentally friendly co-production of critical raw materials together with the provision of geothermal energy. In the East African Rift System (EARS), high levels of rare earth elements (REE), Sr, Ba and Mg are expected in waters and solids in areas with alkaline volcanic rocks, while other critical elements, including helium, have been sought in other localities. In particular, the eastern branch is the most juvenile sector and has increased geothermal potential related to hot fluids migrating along permeable faults. Malawi was traversed along the eastern arm of the EARS from north to south to collect gas, water, rock and sediment samples associated with natural hot springs. On site, physical and chemical parameters were measured in-situ and documented together with the geology, infrastructure and domestic use of the hot site. Detailed measurements were carried out in different labs in Potsdam and Bremen.