Our MinEx CRC Publication Spotlight showcases peer-reviewed and publicly available scientific publications arising from research across the CRC.

This spotlight features a recent publication led by MinEx CRC postgraduate researcher Rory Carter from UNSW, investigating rare earth element (REE) enrichment within the regolith overlying the Doradilla tin-skarn system in northern New South Wales.

The study provides the first detailed mineralogical characterisation of REE enrichment at the Doradilla prospect. The research used a combination of mineralogical and analytical techniques, including petrography, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, X-ray fluorescence elemental mapping and Raman spectroscopy, to investigate the minerals hosting the REEs. The study found that the REE enrichment is predominantly hosted in secondary, hydrated REE phosphate minerals.

The research highlights the importance of detailed mineralogical characterisation when investigating REE enrichment in previously undescribed geological settings, and contributes to a better understanding of how REEs are distributed and hosted within weathered mineral systems.

Readers interested in learning more are encouraged to connect directly with the authors or contact admin@minexcrc.com.au.