Can we mine things like metals and helium from volcanoes?

Before we get too far, let's make one thing abundantly clear: helium emissions in Yellowstone in no way suggest an eruption is in the works. ... where it is primordial helium from the formation of the planet and (2) the crust, where it comes from the radioactive decay of elements like uranium and thorium. read more

The Future of Mines In Active Volcanoes. Today, technology for mining active volcanoes, above or below sea, is not developed. What does appear likely is that within the next 10 years, we will see the development of the first undersea mining operations. The technology of deep sea drilling and remote-controlled submarines already exists. read more

Volcanoes directly or indirectly produce or host deposits of aluminum, diamonds, gold, nickel, lead, zinc, and copper. We use most of these materials everyday and, over the course of a lifetime, consume some of them (via the products we buy and use) in great amounts. read more

Within the Earth, helium can come from two main sources: (1) the mantle, where it is primordial helium from the formation of the planet and (2) the crust, where it comes from the radioactive decay of elements like uranium and thorium. read more