Geological characteristics and prospecting direction of rare earth element deposits in North China

Based on the systematic collection of information of rare earth element (REE) deposits in North China, this paper analyzes the current situation of REE resources and the temporal-spatial distribution regulation of REE deposits in North China.The mineralization types of the REE deposits in North China mainly include sedimentary and metamorphic type, igneous carbonate magma type, magmatic hydrothermal type, pegmatite type, andion-adsorption type. Given thegeotectonic locations and ore-controlling factorsof REE deposits in North China, the geodynamic background favorable for the formation of the REE deposits includes the ancient metamorphic basement, Archean-Paleoproterozoic rift zones on continental margins, Middle Proterozoic rift zoneson continental margins, and Yanshanian active continental margins in coastal areas of the West Pacific. Thetectonic-sedimentary-magmatic prospecting favorable conditions include volcanic-sedimentary events during the early development of regional deep faults and geosynclines and the magmatic activitiesof alkaline syenitesand alkaline granites. Meanwhile, the geochemical background favorable for REE mineralization consists of high precipitation amount, alluvial plains, and brown soil distribution areas.