Australia’s red soil may be hiding a massive clean energy source
Science Daily · 2026-08-29
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) have discovered that magnetite, a mineral abundant in Western Australia's vast iron-ore deposits across the Pilbara region, can generate hydrogen gas when reacting with hot water under deep-earth conditions. The scientists also found a method to stimulate this process by injecting a solution into banded iron formations, potentially enhancing natural hydrogen production underground. Associate Professor Alireza Keshavarz noted that Australia could be sitting on a massive, untapped energy reserve, with enough hydrogen for generations and the potential to become a major clean energy exporter. The research, published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, indicates that hydrogen production depends on both the amount of magnetite and the rock's structure, specifically its permeability to water.