HREE mineralization in Regolith-hosted deposit in Southeast China

Regolith-hosted REE deposits in SE China is worlds most notable REE resources of this type. These deposits are also well-known for their parciular enrichment in Heavy REEs. With geochemical modelling, we are able to evaluate how the weathering process affects the REE remobilization in the rocks and regoliths, and to understand what is important for LREE and HREE mineralization in these environments. The results provide key information to establish accurate ore genesis model, evaluate resource potential and to guide exploration targeting in the region.

The figure above simulate the HREE and LREE solubility in groundwater at weathering conditions. The results provide insights on how temperature affects HREE and LREE partitioning (a). The figure also evaluate how the groundwater compositions (e.g., CO2, or F contents) may affect HREE solubility.

Reference

Dou, J., Wang, C. Y., Xing, Y., Tan, W., & Zhao, Z. (2023). Redistribution of REE in granitic bedrocks during incipient weathering: insights into the role of groundwater in the formation of regolith-hosted REE deposit. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 178(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-023-02054-4