Phosphorite Deposits Emerge as Promising Rare Earth Resource, New Review Finds

Highlights

• Dr. Shamim A. Dar’s research identifies phosphorite deposits as a promising unconventional source of rare earth elements (REEs)
• Global phosphorite formations show REE concentrations up to 18,000 µg/g, rivaling traditional rare earth ores
• Commercial viability remains 5-10 years away, requiring significant investment and strategic partnerships

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A new review article led by Dr. Shamim A. Dar (opens in a new tab) from the Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University (opens in a new tab) (BHU), India, in collaboration with researchers from CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (opens in a new tab) and other institutions, proposes that phosphorite deposits — long valued for phosphate fertilizers — could become a critical unconventional resource for rare earth elements (REEs).

The study, published in Geoscience Frontiers (opens in a new tab), systematically reviews the global distribution, geochemistry, mineralogy, enrichment mechanisms, and extraction potential of REEs from phosphorite formations.

Study Hypothesis and Goals

The authors hypothesized that, given the rising global demand for rare earths (especially heavy rare earth elements, or HREEs), marine and continental phosphorite deposits could serve as a strategically important, alternative REE supply. They aimed to evaluate whether phosphorites, which naturally accumulate significant REE concentrations, can be mined economically and sustainably without major environmental risks.

Study Findings

Phosphorite deposits worldwide — from North Africa’s vast beds to China’s Cambrian formations — are emerging as a major unconventional rare earth resource, with total REE concentrations reaching up to 18,000 µg/g, rivaling or even exceeding traditional primary rare earth ores. Notably, U.S. Mississippian phosphorites are exceptionally enriched in heavy rare earth elements (ΣHREE ~7,000 µg/g), making them strategically important for defense, electronics, and clean energy applications. Modern exploration efforts are increasingly using machine learning models to predict and target REE-rich phosphorite zones with greater precision. Meanwhile, extraction technologies, particularly simple acid leaching methods, have shown promise in recovering up to nearly 100% of REEs from phosphorite ores — provided radioactive by-products are carefully managed.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite the promising lab-scale results, commercial development remains limited. Key hurdles include:

• Variability in REE concentration across deposits;
• Need for robust environmental management to deal with radioactive by-products;
• The fact that most phosphorite mining today is designed for fertilizer, not REE extraction, requires process redesigns. Moreover, detailed geological surveys and economically viable extraction models are still underdeveloped in many regions outside China.

Conclusion and Commercial Reality Check

The study concludes that phosphorite deposits could substantially diversify and expand the global rare earth element (REE) supply, helping to reduce overreliance on China. However, commercial readiness is likely still 5–10 years away for most regions without significant investment, exploration, and permitting efforts. Countries like India, the United States, Australia, and nations across North Africa could be early movers if the necessary industrial policy, environmental safeguards, and financing are mobilized.

Rare Earth Exchanges Analysis

This paper is a serious and credible addition to the growing body of research identifying non-traditional REE sources. However, commercial viability remains theoretical until pilot projects scale into profitable operations.

Governments focused on rare earth resilience must recognize that phosphorite-based REE extraction is promising but not yet plug-and-play. Urgent investment, regulatory clarity, and strategic partnerships will be essential to turn potential into production.