The Bayan Obo (China) giant REE accumulation conundrum elucidated by intense magmatic differentiation of carbonatite

The Bayan Obo deposit in China is endowed with the largest rare earth element (REE) resource in the world. The mechanism resulting in this REE enrichment has been the focus of many studies. Carbonatite is known globally as the most favorable carrier of REE ores. In the Bayan Obo deposit, REE ores are hosted in dolomites (including coarse-grained and fine-grained varieties), and many carbonatite dikes (ferroan, magnesian, and calcic) have been...