GENESIS OF THE ION ADSORPTION TYPE REE DEPOSITS IN SOUTH CHINA
In the so-called ‘Ion adsorption type deposit’, rare earth elements (REEs) are thought to be adsorbed on the surface of clay minerals during weathering processes, and this type of deposit has only been discovered in South China since the 1970s. Although this type of deposit contributes dominantly for the global production of HREEs, few comprehensive studies have been carried out and we still understand little about the genesis of this type of deposit. In this study, we will carry out comprehensive mineralogical, geochemical and experimental studies on deposits of this type and some well-exposed weathering profiles in South China in order to examine the enrichment and mobilization of REEs under weathering processes and the genesis of this type of deposit. Our findings will help further exploration in seeking for more supply on the high-demanding HREEs.