Tasmania, Queensland Bauxite deposits reported with rare-earth elements

Tasmania and Queensland bauxite deposits have been reported with treasured rare-earth elements. The reliability of the ongoing supply of rare-earth elements is a cause of concern for multiple countries and industries, as the major producer, China is all set to restrict its supply.

Several advanced technologies are using rare - earth element which includes smartphones, batteries, electric vehicles and military equipment.

The ASX listed Australian Bauxite Limited announced early results from a 15-month exploration project in its "bauxite horizon" included:

1. Two Tasmanian prospects - DL130, west of Launceston, and Fingal Rail, near Campbell Town - identified, with testing results showing DL130 was enriched with rare-earth elements;
2. DL130 rare-earth elements values averaging six times higher grade than the Fingal Rail prospect and those found in clays at the Binjour bauxite deposit in Queensland; and
3. More than 4500 metres of samples overall warranted assessment for rare-earth elements.

The company said: “The enriched zones at DL130 were 4-18 metres thick, with good continuity over distances of more than 1 kilometre.”

“Solubility and ease of concentration of the rare-earth elements were being assessed at its bauxite research laboratory in Launceston.”

“Concentrates would be tested at its Alcore Research Centre in New South Wales.”

Yttrium oxide, lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, terbium oxide, neodymium oxide, dysprosium oxide, erbium oxide and ytterbium oxide elements are found in Fingal Rail and DL130 material.

The highest concentrations on the best third of samples basis were cerium oxide and yttrium oxide at DL130.

Cerium usage comprises turbine blade coatings, self-cleaning ovens, flints for lighters and yellow colours in the glass, while Yttrium is used in many applications, including battery cathodes, cancer treatments, camera and refractive telescope lenses, microwave filters and jewellery.