Free talk to explore rare earths in Fuerteventura’s geology
Geologist Ramón Casillas Ruiz will discuss where rare earths occur in Fuerteventura and the challenges of extracting them at a free talk on 13 November.
A free public talk on rare earths in Fuerteventura will take place at the Palacio de Formación y Congresos on Friday 13 November, exploring where they occur on the island and why they formed there.
The session begins at 12 noon in Sala A. Entry is free until capacity is reached, and no advance registration is needed. It is open to professionals, students and anyone interested in the subject.
Ramón Casillas Ruiz, professor of Geological Sciences at the Universidad de La Laguna, will explain what rare earths are, their technological uses and strategic importance. He will also discuss the environmental, social and geopolitical challenges associated with their extraction and use.
Casillas Ruiz has researched volcanic activity in the Canary Islands since 1986 and coordinates the university’s Geology and Volcanology of Oceanic Islands research group. He is also a member of the scientific committee of PEVOLCA, the Canary Islands volcanic emergency plan.
The event will combine a talk of around 30 minutes with a moderated conversation and questions from the audience. The full session is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.
It forms part of Encuentros con la Química 2026, a series of applied science talks across the Canary Islands. The Fuerteventura event is organised by the Colegio Oficial de Químicos de Canarias, with support from the island’s Cabildo and funding from the Canary Islands Government.