Why Europe Needs Digital Rock Physics for Critical Minerals Strategy (opens in new tab)

Researchers argue that Digital Rock Physics could help the UK and Europe move from critical minerals targets to practical supply-chain implementation by linking 3D imaging, correlative chemistry, AI, and pore-scale modeling. The paper positions DRP as a shared infrastructure for assessing complex ores, brines, tailings, and recycling feedstocks, while stressing that validation, data standards, upscaling, and industrial access remain key barriers.