Far East Geological Institute, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia:

I. Yu. Chekryzhov, Researcher, chekr2004@mail.ru

V. P. Nechaev, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Geologo-Mineralogical Sciences

Institute of Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Chrystal Chemistry of Rare Elements, Moscow, Russia:
G. N. Trach, Head of Department
D. A. Trach, Researcher

The paper presents new data resulted from the recent geological prospecting and scientific works, which are discussed in addition to information from the literature. Distribution of rare earth elements (REE) in different ore types have been studied and compared with those from the known deposits and occurrences. The data show that high REE concentrations comparable with traditional REE containing ores also occur in the coal-bearing structures and adjacent areas in South Primorye. The mineralization in the coal-bearing structures is polygenic and may develop in coal seams, host rocks and in basement rocks. Four potentially commercial types of REE mineralization have been identified. They are represented by ten occurrences in South Primorye. REE resources have been evaluated in four occurrences. The most promising is the Abramovka-type mineralization consisting of REE hydrocarbonates and phosphates that are hosted by metasedimentary rocks with basaltic dykes. This mineralization is characterized by a very rare set of factors conditioning the commercial value of REE ores. The Longnan-type weathering crust of granites and metalliferous coal of some basins may also be of commercial value. The social and economical signifi cance of exploitation of REE ores in sedimentary cover and in basement of coal-bearing bows under mining is emphasized.
This study has been partly supported by the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the framework of Far East Program 2018–2020, Project No. 18-2-020 and by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Project RFFI-GFEN No. 16-55-53122.

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