S.OYUNBAT: WE NEED TO THOROUGHLY EXPLORE THE RARE EARTH MINERALS IN OUR COUNTRY

A.Khaliun

Rare earth elements are a relatively new topic for our country's mineral sector. However, S.Oyunbat, a Mongolian consultant geologist with a PhD, is quite familiar with these elements.

Geo-Info, a consulting company specializing in geo-information and exploration, was established by S.Oyunbat and has been active in the field since 2008. The company discovered the Ulaan Del rare earth element deposit in Uvs aimag. In 2018, the mineralization reserve was presented to the Professional Council of Mineral Resources, discussed, and subsequently registered as a rare earth element (REE) deposit in Mongolia's Mineral Resources Fund.

Rare earth elements are drawing significant interest from technologically advanced countries. We discussed how research on rare earth elements is conducted in Mongolia. Typically, these elements are found in nature alongside other minerals. 

What exactly are rare earth elements?

Rare earth elements consist of 17 elements, including the 15 elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71, as well as scandium (Sc, atomic number 21) and yttrium (Y, atomic number 39). These elements share similar geochemical properties and often coexist in nature. In their natural state, they all exhibit an oxidation state of +3. Additionally, my research suggests that four more elements-hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), zirconium (Zr), and tantalum (Ta) - should also be considered in this category.

Rare earth elements are classified into three groups based on their ionic radius: light, medium, and heavy. The content of these elements in ore is calculated by summing the oxides of the individual elements. When estimating reserves, factors such as the general characteristics of the ore and its average content are taken into account. The price of rare earth elements varies depending on their application, which also influences processing technology and, consequently, market value.

For what purposes are countries using rare earth elements, and why have they become so important globally in recent times?

Based on their physico-chemical properties, rare earth elements are utilized in the production of a wide range of products. They are crucial components in submarines, spacecraft, automobiles, medical equipment, and computers. For instance, REEs are used to manufacture high-quality glass. In everyday life, these elements are extensively found in products such as cars, mobile phones, television sets, and microwave ovens.

Rare earth element deposits were discovered during the socialist period in our country but did not attract much interest at the time. Why have they suddenly become a focus for global attention today?

At that time, the use of these critical minerals was likely limited due to less advanced technology and technical development. Exploration focused on other types of mineral deposits. However, with recent technological advancements, the demand and applications for these minerals have significantly increased.

Until 2010, China was the dominant supplier of rare earth elements, providing 80-90% of the world's REE ores. However, starting in 2011, China began reducing its exports, and by 2017-2018, it had nearly ceased exporting rare earth elements. This reduction in supply led to a decline in REE availability, increased demand, and rising prices, turning these minerals into "hot commodities". In response, some countries have revisited abandoned REE deposits, and new exploration efforts have intensified to discover additional sources.

Mongolia has joined the global surge in rare earth element exploration and research, focusing its attention on these valuable minerals.

China has highly developed technology for the enrichment and separation of rare earth elements. The largest and most significant deposit of these elements was discovered in the Bayan-Ovoo mining area, located within the Baotou region of Inner Mongolia. A processing plant based on this deposit has been operational for many years, handling the separation, enrichment and purification of these elements.

Even today, new mineral deposits continue to be discovered in this area.

For this reason, researching rare earth elements (REEs) is time-consuming. However, due to advancements in scientific, technical, and technological fields, the demand for these elements continues to grow. It is important to note that geological studies are not complete simply by establishing reserves; ongoing research and exploration are necessary.

Do rare earth elements emit radioactive substances? 

Rare earth elements are similar to common minerals like gold and coal. In contrast, uranium is not a common mineral and is classified as radioactive. Each mineral has its own level of radioactivity, but the critical issue is whether this poses a risk to the environment and to human health. For rare earth elements, their radioactivity depends on the host rock and the specific minerals present in the ore. Thus, the mineralization of REEs can vary, and whether or not they contain radioactive substances depends on these factors.

Therefore, it cannot be assumed that a rare earth element is inherently radioactive, as radioactivity is determined by the specific characteristics of the mineralization. For instance, in 2019, a gamma-spectrometry analysis - measuring isotope activity, elemental content, and absorbed dose rate - was conducted at the Nuclear Physics Research Center to assess the radioactivity of the Ulaan Del ore.

It was determined that the natural isotopic activity of the REE ore was primarily K40. Therefore, whether radioactivity is considered 'toxic' or 'non-toxic' can only be determined through specific and targeted research on each type of mineral. This research presents a new challenge to our knowledge, requiring significant time and patience.

Which types of rare earth elements are commonly found in our country?

The types of rare earth elements found in our country largely depend on the extent of geological research conducted. Currently, many deposits of both heavy and light rare earth elements have been discovered. In southern Mongolia, deposits rich in light rare earth elements have been identified. In western Mongolia, heavy rare earth elements associated with zircon have been found in the Khalzan Buregyn group and Ulaan Del deposits. While it is not always necessary to distinguish between light and heavy mineralization, the main difference lies in the methods used for further ore beneficiation and their technical applications.

When did our experts begin studying rare earth elements?

Since the foundation of the geological sector in Mongolia, Mongolian geologists, in collaboration with experts from the Soviet Union and other socialist countries, have discovered most of the country's rare earth element deposits (4 out of 6). They assessed these deposits and, in some cases, determined their reserves.

For example, the Khotgor deposit in Umnogobi was identified as 'prospective for rare earth elements' by Russian geologists. Mongolian geologists continued the investigation, confirmed the presence of a rare earth element deposit in the Khotgor area, and are now conducting further exploration in collaboration with an Australian company.

In 1987, the A-657 anomaly, later known as ‘Shar Tolgoi,' was discovered through aerial geophysical mapping at a scale of 1:50,000. In 2009, our company identified the first signs of rare earth element (REE) mineralization in this area, which was subsequently named the Ulaan Del deposit after a local mountain. Our company then conducted further exploration and confirmed the presence of a rare earth elements deposit associated with alkaline rocks.

In 2018, the results of the exploration were consolidated, and the ore reserves were assessed, discussed, and approved by the Professional Council of Mineral Resources. Following this, the Ulaan Del deposit was officially registered as the 6th rare earth element deposit in the Mineral Resources Fund of Mongolia.

What are the reserves of rare earth elements in Mongolia?

According to the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, 3.1 million tons of ore reserves have been identified in Mongolia (B.Uyanga, 2023). This figure represents only the reserves of the explored portion of the ore field. It should not be considered as the total reserve for the entire license area or the whole deposit, due to limited exploration in these areas.

In this case, it is possible that the reserves could increase or overlap with other deposits, making the current reserve estimate volatile. Complete exploration is generally required to obtain a more accurate assessment. Due to financial constraints, the exploration of some deposits may have been incomplete, which can affect the accuracy of reserve estimates.

Rare earth elements were new to us and required significant knowledge, time, and patience to study. Consequently, researching them took a considerable amount of time. Exploration of the Ulaan Del deposit began in 2009. By 2018, ore reserves in three areas had been determined, while the remainder of the deposit area underwent geological assessment.

Laboratory analysis of rare earth elements (REEs) was conducted at the Central Geological Laboratory, with additional analyses performed in China, Japan, Russia, and Finland. Initially, we determine the ore content, followed by identifying the specific rare earth elements present. Once the ore composition is established, research is conducted to select the appropriate ore processing and enrichment technology. Overall, REE research and analysis are time-consuming and require substantial financial resources and effort.

What is the capacity of our domestic laboratories? Were any differences observed between the results of tests conducted in Mongolian laboratories and those conducted in foreign laboratories?

Our laboratories are not bad, and we have equipment that meets international standards. All of my fundamental research was conducted at the Central Geological Laboratory. However, foreign laboratories, with their highly sensitive instruments, might produce slightly different results in some cases. Despite this, the variations in ore content were within acceptable limits, and there were no extreme discrepancies 

Rare earth elements have become indispensable minerals in our daily lives.

Developed countries include rare earth elements in their list of critical minerals. Which rare earth elements should be included in the list of critical minerals for Mongolia? 

Starting in 2011, countries around the world began compiling lists of critical minerals essential for their economies. Industrialized and technologically advanced nations commonly include rare earth elements and graphite on their lists. Other countries may classify diamonds and platinum as critical due to their economic significance. For example, Japan designates rare earth elements as critical, while South American countries include lithium and copper in their lists.

Our country has conducted extensive research to identify high-tech minerals. I served as a senior geologist for the Strategic Mineral Mining 'GASAM' project, which focused on lithium and rare earth elements, and was implemented by the Geological Service of Mongolia from 2019 to 2022.

As part of this project, we reviewed the "critical minerals" lists of countries such as the United States, Canada, the European Union, China, Japan, and Russia, and discussed which minerals might be considered 'critical' for Mongolia. After analyzing global trends in supply and demand, we believe that rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, and copper-nickel could be included in the list of critical minerals for Mongolia.

In addition, among mining products, minerals that are economically profitable, highly mined, and widely traded, such as coal, iron ore, copper, and fluorspar, could also be considered critical.

The aforementioned rare earth elements, lithium, and graphite are used in hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, as well as in vehicles, electricity storage, and technical lubricants. It is projected that by 2025-2030, the demand for lithium in electric vehicle production will increase by up to 86%.

The most promising application of lithium is in the production of metal-lithium-aluminum alloys for aviation, space technology, and batteries. As a result, high prices for these minerals are likely to persist. Similarly, the use of rare earth elements is expected to increase, as they have become integral to many aspects of daily life.

Did you obtain your geology degree in Russia?

Yes, in 1986, I graduated from the University of Azerbaijan, which was part of the Soviet Union at that time, with a degree in Mineral Deposit Exploration Engineering-Geology.

After graduation, I was assigned to the International Geological Expedition (IGE) of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, which included socialist countries such as Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Mongolia, Germany, and Cuba. Although I held a degree in engineering geology, I began my career as a geologist in the Hungarian-Mongolian IGE Class IV, starting in the position of "professional employee".

Since then, I have worked in the metals and mineral exploration sector, holding positions as a geologist, senior geologist, and exploration project manager with various organizations including IGE, the Geological Foundation, Universal Minerals LLC, and Ivanhoe Mines Inc. In 2003, I founded Geo-Info LLC, a company specializing in geo-information consultancy, prospecting, geological translation, and exploration. Now I work as a consultant-geologist in that company.

Throughout my career as a geologist, I have collaborated with numerous Mongolian and international geologists and professionals from various generations, contributing to the development of Mongolia's mining sector.

Thank you for your interview.