We bring researchers together to ensure the sustainable supply of metals essential for a net-zero economy.

The Minerals and Energy group is a collective of geoscientists engaged in research aimed at ensuring the timely, adequate, and sustainable procurement of supplies and metals essential for transitioning our economy to net-zero emissions in the forthcoming decades.

We investigate the fundamental geological processes that concentrate metals in the crust. This encompasses orthomagmatic, magmatic-hydrothermal, and hydrothermal mineral systems, which contain a vast array of critical and strategically significant metals. We apply a wide array of techniques and methodologies from detailed structural field studies to grain-scale microanalysis of trace elements in ore minerals.

We also apply 3D seismic technology to the analysis of depositional and deformational processes, focused on characterising fluid flow in the lithosphere, with emphasis on ‘sustainable’ energy sources – hydrocarbons, gas hydrates, geothermal energy, and carbon capture and sequestration.

Other topics of interest include:

• fault mechanics
• salt tectonics and their relationship to subsurface fluid flow
• tectono-stratigraphy of sedimentary basins.

Finally, there is a track-record in the centre in terms of characterising environmental impacts of energy EP (exploration and production) and developing approaches for oil spill modelling and mitigation.

Our research leverages state-of-the-art structural, petrological and geochemical methods to elucidate the factors, responsible for the formation of mineral deposits, alongside exploring geothermal energy and carbon storage solutions.

We collaborate with academic, industry, and governmental partners across the UK, EU, and globally, on numerous projects. The 3D seismic laboratory is a state-of-the-art seismic interpretation and visualisation facility that supports research into diverse aspects of sedimentary basins, with emphasis on continental margins, environmental aspects of oil and gas, and CCS (carbon capture and sequestration).

Our research spans two main research themes:

• critical and raw materials
• geo-energy and basins.

Many of our research projects cross over with the work of research groups including Magmatic Processes, Tectonics and Geophysics, and Environmental Hazards and Risk.