Why rare earth elements are hiding in plain sight
REEs are not rare at all but rarely found in pure form.
Rare earth elements (REEs) have a reputation for being scarce, but that is due to historical misunderstandings. In reality, REEs are not rare at all, they are just rarely found in pure form. The 17 lanthanides, which make up REEs, are abundant in the Earth's crust, with some being even more plentiful than copper. Despite this, the global supply of REEs remains a challenge due to difficulties in discoverability, extractability, and economic viability.
The mining process for REEs is complex, with deposits forming through various methods. Magmatic deposits result from crystal fractioning in magma chambers, while non-magmatic ores form in hydrothermal alteration systems. The latter are often found within sedimentary basins, making them difficult to locate due to their small size and confinement by fault zones.
Exploration for REEs requires innovative methods beyond traditional mapping. Potential targets can be identified through geophysical signatures such as dense and magnetic igneous rocks, distinct gravity highs, and alteration halos. Geophysical techniques like magnetics, radiometrics, and seismic reflection can help map these deposits.
However, the economic feasibility of REE mining is another major challenge. Only a few REE minerals, such as bastnäsite, can be processed at a viable cost, but even then, the mineralogy can be highly radioactive, adding an extra layer of complexity to the production process.
Written by urgent.news from Mining.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
