WA iron deposits could soon power a clean energy breakthrough, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.
The new study centres on the production of naturally occurring hydrogen through magnetite, a mineral common in Pilbara iron ore deposits.
Researchers found that when magnetite reacts with hot water deep underground, it can generate hydrogen gas.
It's a breakthrough discovery the team behind it say could power Australia's future, and create a major export industry.
Furthermore, the researchers found by injecting a solution into banded iron ore formations, hydrogen production was stimulated, increasing the potential for harnessing natural hydrogen.
"Australia could be sitting on a massive, untapped energy reserve—and the potential is enormous," ECU associate professor Alireza Keshavarz said.
"There is enough hydrogen for Australia to benefit for generations, and potentially enough for us to become a major exporter of clean energy to the rest of the world."
To test the theory, magnetite samples were exposed to water at a temperature of 200 degrees, under high-pressure conditions for 60 days to simulate the environment found deep under the Earth's surface.
"Western Australia has some of the world's largest banded iron formations," lead author Kaveh Moghanirahimi said.
"If we can unlock this resource at scale, it could be transformative for our energy future.
"We even see the potential for WA to strengthen its energy independence during times of crisis through access to this naturally generated hydrogen."
ECU School of Engineering's professor Stefan Iglauer said the study moved science closer to real-world hydrogen exploration.
"This work helps bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real geological systems," he said.
"Our findings show that hydrogen production dpeends not only on the amount of magnetite present, but also on how easily water can access ffresh mineral surfaces through fractures, pores and permeable pathways."
The research was publishedi n the Internatianal Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
