In a significant advancement for the field of geology, geologists from the Chinese mainland have uncovered two new rare-earth minerals at the world's largest rare-earth mine in north China. The discovery took place at the Bayan Obo deposit in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, marking a milestone in mineral exploration.
The newly identified minerals, Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite, were revealed through a collaborative effort between the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd., the Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, and Central South University. Li Xianhua, a CAS academician, announced the findings, highlighting that the International Mineralogical Association has validated these specimens as new minerals.
Niobium and scandium, the elements comprising the new minerals, are both exceptionally rare and strategically vital. Niobium plays a crucial role in the production of special steels, superconducting materials, and aerospace technologies. Meanwhile, scandium is integral to aluminum-scandium alloys and solid oxide fuel cells, underscoring its importance in various high-tech applications.
Li emphasized that the discovery of these minerals holds significant promise for advancements in new materials, renewable energy, information technology, aerospace, national defense, and the military industry. These developments are poised to contribute substantially to the country's economic and social progress.
Li Xiao, general manager of Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd., a leading steel manufacturer in China, praised Bayan Obo's rich mineral reserves, which include resources like iron, niobium, scandium, thorium, and fluorite. He noted that since 1959, a total of 18 new minerals have been discovered at this deposit, with Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite adding to the list as the 19th and 20th discoveries.
Further details reveal that Oboniobite presents itself in a yellow-brown to brown hue, exhibiting a plate-like structure with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 100 micrometers. On the other hand, Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite stands out as the first mineral in China to contain scandium. Named in honor of CAS academician Zhai Mingguo for his outstanding contributions to the study of mineral deposits, this mineral showcases a pale yellow or light blue coloration and columnar form, with particles reaching up to 350 micrometers.
Reference(s):
China unearths two new minerals at world's largest rare-earth mine
cgtn.com
