Australia's Iron-Rich Rock May Be Hiding a Massive Natural Hydrogen Source

Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia say the state's vast iron-rich rock formations may be capable of generating naturally occurring hydrogen, a potential low-emission energy source. The findings, published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, suggest the region's geology could eventually support a domestic energy source and, if developed at scale, a hydrogen export industry.

The research focuses on magnetite, a mineral abundant in Western Australia's iron ore deposits across the Pilbara region. Scientists from ECU's School of Engineering found that magnetite releases hydrogen gas when it reacts with hot water under conditions similar to those found deep underground, and discovered that injecting a solution into banded iron formations could increase hydrogen generation, raising the possibility of deliberately enhancing the process underground.

To study how the process works, the researchers placed magnetite samples in water at 200 degrees Celsius under high pressure for 60 days, reproducing the hot, pressurized environment found deep underground. "Australia could be sitting on a massive, untapped energy reserve, and the potential is enormous," said Associate Professor Alireza Keshavarz. "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."

The findings are especially significant for Western Australia, which contains some of the largest banded iron formations on Earth. "If we can unlock this resource at scale, it could be transformative for our energy future," said lead author Kaveh Moghanirahimi, adding that it could also strengthen the state's energy independence during times of crisis. Professor Stefan Iglauer said the results help bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real geological systems.

The study also found that the amount of magnetite present does not alone determine how much hydrogen can be produced — the structure of the rock matters too, particularly whether water can move through fractures, pores and permeable pathways to reach fresh mineral surfaces.