Abstract
Fluids play an important role in the formation of many rare earth element (REE) deposits. Groundwater and hydrothermal fluids can transport these elements and with changes in fluid composition or properties, the REEs can be removed from solution by adsorption or precipitation of REE-rich minerals. Currently, REEs are primarily produced from two types of ore deposits, ion adsorption clay deposits (located in southern China) and carbonatites. Ion adsorption clay deposits in southern China form by lateritic weathering of underlying granites. Groundwater is responsible for the mobilization, transport, and deposition of the REEs in forming these ore deposits. Carbonatites are a relatively rare type of igneous rock that contain the highest concentrations of REEs of any igneous rocks. Ore-grade REE enrichment in carbonatites can result from crystallization of REE mineral phases directly from the magma or by hydrothermal processes. One carbonatite-related REE ore deposit, the Mount Weld deposit (Australia), was formed by lateritic weathering of the underlying carbonatite.
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