Research on the Formation of Rare Earth Elements in Alaska

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) published an article about a research project on rare earth elements (REE) and their formation at Alaska’s Bokan Mountain. The deposit there is one of only a few known deposits where heavy rare earth elements (HREE) are concentrated.

“Our work in southeastern Alaska has demonstrated the potential for a viable, world-class supply of heavy rare earths from a domestic source. The collaboration between the USGS, universities and Ucore Rare Metals is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can directly succeed in assisting significant economic growth,” said lead author Dr. Jaroslav Dostal, with Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“This research contributes to more efficient exploration for REE deposits,” said Karl [USGS geologist Susan Karl], who is located at the USGS Alaska Science Center in Anchorage. “By knowing more about how REE deposits form, scientists and mining companies can more accurately target rocks that might contain mineable concentrations of these critical minerals.”