China’s Geological Survey has discovered an extensive ionic adsorption clay rare earth deposit in the Southwestern province of Yunnan. These clays are known for their high concentration of coveted heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium. These are of strategic importance as key ingredients in magnet production to enhance performance and durability. With an estimated reserve of 1.15 million tons, the deposit is the largest of its kind in China, according to the agency. For reference, China’s total rare earth reserves are estimated to be roughly 44 million tons, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Currently, large-scale mining of ionic adsorption clays is concentrated in southern China and neighboring Myanmar, as these clays form only in tropical and subtropical regions with intense weathering. However, neighboring Laos is actively exploring opportunities to develop its own deposits. Across the Pacific, Brazil is also making strides in harnessing its ionic clay resources.
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In comparison, most other types of rare earth deposits, for example, the ones found in Sweden and Norway, the latter estimated to be the largest in Europe, predominantly contain light rare earths.
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