Ionic Adsorption Clay
Ionic Clay+ 1 related classifications
Ionic adsorption clays are formed by the weathering of rare-earth-rich granite rocks in subtropical climates. The rare earth elements are adsorbed onto the surface of clay minerals. They are the world's primary source of Heavy Rare Earths (HREEs) and are mined extensively in Southern China and developing in Brazil.
Processing
DifficultyLow
Processing & Metallurgy
Simplest processing: In-situ or heap leaching with an electrolyte solution (like ammonium sulfate) desorbs the rare earths without needing to dissolve the rock. However, environmental management of the leachate is critical.
Related Projects
4 FoundCaldeira Project
Meteoric Resources•Brazil
DevelopmentStage 2/4
High-grade ionic clay deposit rich in HREEs. MoU signed with Neo Performance Materials for 3,000 MT TREO per year.
Koppamurra Project
Australian Rare Earths•Australia
ExplorationStage 1/4
Serra Verde Mine
Serra Verde•Brazil
OperatingStage 4/4
Yen Phu Rare Earth Mine
Thai Duong Group•Vietnam
OperatingStage 4/4
State Oversight. Capacity: ~12,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of concentrate. Primary source of Heavy Rare Earths (Dysprosium, Terbium) in Vietnam. Following 2024-2025 legal proceedings involving Thai Duong Group, it is now managed under strict government monitoring to feed the domestic "closed-loop" value chain mandated by the amended Geology and Minerals Law (Law No. 147/2025/QH15), ban on raw ore exports effective Jan 1, 2026.