Carbonatite
Carbonatite
Carbonatites are intrusive igneous rocks composed of more than 50% carbonate minerals. They are the most important source of Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) globally. The deposits are often large, high-grade, and distinctively zoned. Major examples include Mt Weld (Australia) and Mountain Pass (USA), although Mountain Pass is also described specifically by its primary mineral, Bastnäsite.
Processing
DifficultyMedium
Processing & Metallurgy
Typically processed via froth flotation to produce a concentrate, followed by acid baking or cracking to extract rare earths. The metallurgy is well-established but can vary depending on gangue minerals (e.g., iron, phosphate).
Related Projects
2 FoundTypical Composition
The set of elements typically dominant in Carbonatite deposits.