298 Joint SGD-SEPM-IAS Focus on Sedimentary Geology and Energy Transitions (Posters)
This topical session is designed to explore how sedimentary geology underpins cutting-edge research, exploration, and decision-making in energy-resource development and to identify workforce-development priorities for sedimentary geologists supporting the energy transition.
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1
Utilizing Stratigraphy and Chemostratigraphy to Identify Rare Earth Elements in the MC 10-09 Well Core
Paper number: 298-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Authors
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Kylie BrinzaNational Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Thomas ParonishNational Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Dr. Dustin CrandallNational Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Terry MckisicNational Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Scott WorkmanNational Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, West Virginia
Abstract
In the United States and across the world, commercial industries and resource management agencies are exploring innovative ways of extracting rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals to be utilized in industrial applications ranging from refining and petrochemical industries to the medical field, to innovations in environmental sustainability, and more. This case study of the MC 10-09 well core from Marshall County, WV contributes to the unconventional acquisition of REEs and critical minerals by developing a non-destructive and multi-faceted approach to core characterization. By combining traditional core description methods utilizing the Ferm Coding System and an inch-by-inch analysis with Medical and Micro Computed Tomography (CT) imaging as well as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) data from the Multi-Sensor Core Logger, this study examines late Pennsylvanian-early Permian, Dunkard Group underclays and overclays surrounding the Washington, Waynesburg, and Waynesburg A “unmineable” coal seams.
Traditional core descriptions from the aforementioned methodologies revealed third and fourth order fining upwards sequences attributed to a complex deposition system as well as seven major lithofacies for the 165-foot selected section of the well core: shale, claystone, siltstone, sandstone, mudstone, limestone, and coal – while z-projected CT imaging revealed microstructures such as fractures, bioturbation, and nodules not apparent on the surface of the rock. Incorporating a model from F.J. Pettijohn (1949) to investigate the geochemical trends of sedimentary lithology with contrived discrete cutoffs applied to x-ray fluorescence data, five major chemofacies were identified: iron-rich nodules, claystone, sandstone, mudstone, and limestone.
In addition, further analysis of x-ray fluorescence data and core descriptions revealed concentrations of the La-Ce-Y elements over 300ppm in many claystone units suggesting a correlation between clay lithology and rare earth element deposits. Furthermore, co-location of manganese and La-Ce-Y elements in non-carbonate chemofacies suggests that manganese could be utilized as a proxy for identifying the La-Ce-Y elements.
The results of this study indicate that investigation of lithofacies and chemofacies are required to pursue an accurate and non-destructive characterization of rare earth element strata of interest. Conclusively, further examination of the MC 10-09 well core for extraction of the La-Ce-Y elements and manganese is recommended.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414398
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