The Major Rare Earth Element Deposits of Australia

Rare Earth Deposits & Mining / Rare Earth Exploration, Mining, Processing, & Uses

Date posted: 11/27/13

Rare-earth elements (REE - lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium) have unique chemical, magnetic, and luminescent properties that make them critical to several high-technology industries. Their applications in many emerging technologies associated with the transport, information, environment, energy, defense, nuclear, and aerospace industries have gained rapid momentum in recent years. This, together with a narrow global supply base, has led to price increases for the REE, and so they are becoming an increasingly attractive commodity for the mineral industry. \n\nThis report describes the geological setting, exploration, and resource distribution, and geological characteristics of the major Australian REE deposits as a stimulus for further research into their geological characteristics. The information and main messages presented are intended to inform the public.