Unlocking the potential of Rare Earth Resources in Europe

During the last decade the non‐energy raw materials have become part of the EU’s new industrial strategy and growth agenda, with increased funding opportunities in the field of mineral resources. The four‐year (2009–2013) ProMine project has provided a well documented knowledge base of Europe's non‐energy raw material resource potential. The ongoing EURARE project is focused on enhancing the value chain perspectives for European Rare Earth Elements (REE) and the Minerals 4EU project aims to provide harmonized data on European mineral resources. This paper summarises ongoing work by the EURARE project (www.eurare.eu). REE mineral potential belts, including genetic types related to igneous, hydrothermal and sedimentary processes, have been identified across Europe. Potential REE deposits are hosted by carbonatites, alkaline igneous complexes and volcanic successions, granitic pegmatites, iron oxide copper gold deposits, and skarns, as well as secondary deposits such as laterites, bauxites and heavy mineral sands. This paper considers issues of the various deposit types with respect to REE‐bearing minerals, grades, volumes, Heavy (HREE) to Light REE (LREE) ratios, radioactive element concentrations, genetic aspects, all in a perspective of raising the awareness for exploration and the potential for exploitation.