Carbonatite / Xenotime

Carbonatite / Xenotime+ 1 related classifications

A composite deposit where the primary host rock is a carbonatite but significant HREE-bearing Xenotime and Churchite zones have been identified within the ore body. Mt Weld (Australia) is the type example — historically classified as a pure carbonatite (LREE), but as of 2025–2026 proven to contain a massive annulus of Dysprosium- and Terbium-bearing minerals.

Processing

DifficultyMedium-High

Processing & Metallurgy

Requires dual processing: standard carbonatite flotation for LREEs plus targeted Xenotime/Churchite recovery circuits for HREEs. The HREE fraction demands separate cracking and solvent extraction.

Related Projects

1 Found

Typical Composition

The set of elements typically dominant in Carbonatite / Xenotime deposits.