New type of rare earth deposit discovered in Northeast China
2026-05-20 15:47:25 [Print]
Chinese scientists have identified a new type of "dispersed rare earth deposit" in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces, according to a recently published research paper. The deposit is rich in both light rare earth elements such as lanthanum, cerium and neodymium, as well as heavy rare earths like yttrium, and is expected to be more efficient and cost-effective to mine, with a lower environmental impact.
Ion-adsorption deposits have long been China's most competitive rare earth resource, accounting for over 90% of global heavy rare earth production. Compared with South China's ion-adsorption deposits, this newly identified deposit contains higher TREO and is more enriched in light rare earth elements.
The discovery expands the potential for rare earth resource development in China and highlights the industrial and strategic significance of this new type of mineral deposit in the country's northern region.
The paper notes that at a time when Western countries are racing to rebuild critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China, the find could further solidify China's dominance in global rare earth production.
As the world's largest producer and consumer of rare earths, China currently undertakes nearly 90% of global rare earth processing.
Ion-adsorption deposits have long been China's most competitive rare earth resource, accounting for over 90% of global heavy rare earth production. Compared with South China's ion-adsorption deposits, this newly identified deposit contains higher TREO and is more enriched in light rare earth elements.
The discovery expands the potential for rare earth resource development in China and highlights the industrial and strategic significance of this new type of mineral deposit in the country's northern region.
The paper notes that at a time when Western countries are racing to rebuild critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China, the find could further solidify China's dominance in global rare earth production.
As the world's largest producer and consumer of rare earths, China currently undertakes nearly 90% of global rare earth processing.
