Alkaline-Silicate REE-HFSE Systems

Abstract Development of renewable energy infrastructure requires critical raw materials, such as the rare earth elements (REEs, including scandium) and niobium, is driving expansion diversification in their supply chains. Although alternative sources are being explored, majority world’s resources these found alkaline-silicate rocks carbonatites. These magmatic systems also represent major fluorine phosphorus. Exploration models for materials comparatively less well developed than those precious metals, iron, copper, gold, where most mineral exploration industry continues to focus. The diversity lithologic relationships a complex nomenclature many alkaline rock types further barriers exploitation REE-high field strength element (HFSE) that will facilitate green revolution. We used global review maps, cross sections, geophysical, geochemical, petrological observations from inform our description REE + HFSE system continental scale (1,000s km) down deposit (~1 km lateral). Continental-scale targeting criteria include geodynamic trigger low-degree mantle melting at high pressure source enriched REEs, volatile elements, alkalies. At province district scales, relate magmatic-system longevity conditions required extensive fractional crystallization residual enrichment REEs HFSEs. A compilation maps geophysical data were construct an interactive 3-D geologic model (25-km cube) places mineralization within depth horizontal reference frame. It shows typical surrounding orthomagmatic REE-Nb-Ta-Zr-Hf layered agpaitic syenites, roof zone REE-Nb-Ta mineralization, REE-Nb-Zr associated with peralkaline granites pegmatites. resulting presented together recommended geochemical approaches targeting, processing environmental factors pertinent development hosted by systems.