Sustainable Exploration, Mining, and Utilization of a Rare Earth Deposit in Southeastern Guangxi: Insights into Metallogenic Regularity

Zhiyou Zou, Sheng Zhang, Jinfu Yuan, Xin Ying, Zhongyi Tao () and Shunshe Luo ()
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Zhiyou Zou: School of Earth Sciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
Sheng Zhang: Remote Sensing Center of Guangxi, Nanning 530000, China
Jinfu Yuan: Guangxi Geological and Mineral Exploration and Development Bureau, Nanning 530000, China
Xin Ying: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 274 Geological Team, Beihai 536000, China
Zhongyi Tao: School of Civil Engineering and Surveying Engineering, Guilin University of Technology Nanning Branch, Nanning 530001, China
Shunshe Luo: School of Earth Sciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: In this study, we investigated and evaluated the mineralization pattern of ion-adsorption rare earth deposits in granite weathering crusts using remote sensing technology for the southeastern region of Guangxi, and we proposed a strategy for sustainable mining and utilization. Through detailed analysis of the stratification characteristics, mineralogical features, and rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns of the weathering crust, it is found that the rare earth minerals are mainly enriched in the completely weathered layers, with light rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd) dominating. This study reveals the transformation mechanism of rocks and minerals during the weathering process, especially the important role of kaolinite, feldspar, and smectite in the enrichment of rare earth elements. Combined with remote sensing image analysis, the intrinsic connection between linear tectonics and mineralization is explored, and potential directions for sustainable exploration are proposed. This study deepens the understanding of the mineralization mechanism of rare earth deposits in the region and provides scientific basis and technical support for the sustainable exploration and development of rare earth resources, and it has important economic and environmental significance.

Keywords: rare earth deposit; metallogenic regularity; sustainable exploitation; resource potential evaluation; the Nanling Mountain metallogenic belt (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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