Carbonatite-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits occur in unusual carbonate-rich igneous systems commonly associated with alkaline intrusive complexes. REEs may be concentrated in minerals such as bastnaesite, monazite, and other REE-bearing phases. Mineralogical complexity, variable REE distribution, and associated elements are important considerations in resource characterization and processing.
The following Elements and Minerals may be found in this Deposit Type.
Mineral: Bastnäsite - (Ce,La)CO₃F - Bastnäsite is a principal light-REE ore mineral in carbonatite deposits and commonly contains cerium as a major rare-earth component.