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Orange lichen could act as a field clue to rare earth deposits

A Chinese research team said the indicator can help locate rare earth element enriched carbonatites, with the peer-reviewed study published in Economic Geology on July 27.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Mining

Chinese scientists say a distinctive orange-yellow lichen could be used as a visible field indicator for locating rare earth element deposits. The researchers described the growth pattern as a potential exploration tool for rare earth element enriched carbonatites, including sites that may be reachable through simple field observation on rocks, walls, or hiking trails.

According to SCMP Economy, the work builds on earlier efforts to find biological markers that correlate with mineral deposits. The outlet reported that Professor Li Yang of Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences said this is the second time a similar indicator has been identified by Chinese scientists, after copper grass in the 1950s.

The study, titled “Lichen as a Potential Exploration Tool for Rare Earth Element – Enriched Carbonatites,” was published in the peer-reviewed journal Economic Geology on July 27, SCMP Economy reported. The research was presented as part of long-running attempts to identify biological indicators that can support mineral exploration.

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