raremetalbearing

raremetalbearing refers to the presence of rare earth elements (REEs) within a mineral deposit. Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71, including lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium. These elements are not necessarily rare in Earth's crust but are rarely found in economically viable concentrations.

Deposits that are considered raremetalbearing typically contain these REEs in sufficient quantities and in a form that allows for their extraction and processing. The economic significance of a raremetalbearing deposit depends on the concentration of REEs, the specific types of REEs present, and the geological and technical feasibility of extraction.

Common minerals that host REEs in raremetalbearing deposits include bastnäsite, monazite, and xenotime. These minerals can occur in various geological settings, such as carbonatites, alkaline intrusions, and placer deposits. The exploration and identification of raremetalbearing deposits are crucial for securing a supply of these critical materials, which are essential for many modern technologies, including magnets, batteries, and electronics. Understanding the geological context and mineralogical characteristics of a deposit is key to assessing its potential as a raremetalbearing resource.