Ionic clays potentially represent the most sustainable type of rare earth element deposit. Non-radioactive and with a low CAPEX requirement, ionic clays are also the only type of deposit that contains important quantities of both light and heavy rare earth elements. Unfortunately, and for a long time, economic deposits outside of China and Myanmar have been few and far between.
This is changing.
The discovery of ionic clays in regions such as Australia, South Africa and Chile represents both an opportunity for investors and the chance to develop a more stable, diversified global supply chain for rare earth elements.
For further details see:
Ionic Clay's Potential for Sustainable Rare Earths Processing