The REE contents of tholeiitic rocks can be derived by simple mantle melting models. However this type of model has been less successful in accounting for rocks of the alkali basalt-kimberlite suite with strong LREE enrichment. Rocks from these associations have similar La/Sm ratios over a range of total REE concentrations and their generation by simple melting models requires an enriched source. These requirements conflict with the conclusions reached from Nd-Sm studies.