Magnetite in Western Australia Could Yield Natural Hydrogen

Researchers at Edith Cowan University recreated Pilbara's banded iron formation conditions and found powdered magnetite released five times more hydrogen than solid slabs at around 200 °C. The results narrow the search for natural hydrogen reserves to porous, fractured rock zones.

• Powdered magnetite produced 5x more hydrogen than solid slabs
• Reaction occurs at about 200 °C under high pressure
• A hematite crust on slabs blocks water from reaching magnetite
• Best search zones are brecciated, deformed and permeable rock