Global Deposits of Rare Earth Elements and Prospects in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract Rare earth elements (REE) are not as rare as their name indicate, but the deposits in which they are found at an economic interest are not very common. They are enriched in carbonatites, pegmatites, alkaline and per-alkaline igneous rocks, placers, laterites, veins, bauxites and iron adsorption clays. Economic deposits of REE are mined from 3 main minerals, which are bastnaesite, monazite and xenotime. REE have been widely used in many high-tech and green technology gadgets, including batteries, computer memories, permanent magnets, smartphones, solar panels, wind turbines, speakers, air conditioners and many other applications. Due to these applications, REE are sought after by many developed and developing economies. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is endowed with mineral potentials. Studies have speculated REE concentration in areas with carbonatite complexes such as Lueshe, Bingo and Kirumba. Other regions with REE potentials include pegmatites. A high weathering rate contributes to metals and REE deposition in lateritic profiles of pegmatites and other alkaline rocks. Additionally, there are placers in many locations of riverbanks. For example, the alluvial placers of Kabengelwa, Mashabuto and Obaye are enriched in monazite and contain significant quantities of rare earth oxides. We believe that, with more research and explorations, the DRC could be a potential target for future REE projects.