Prospects for the development of light and heavy rare earth elements from zircon-ilmenite deposits in Ukraine

Purpose. To identify the most promising mineral deposits in Ukraine containing light and heavy rare earth elements (REE) in accordance with the assessment criteria of the European Commission, considering the global demand for critical raw materials and the cost of their sale. Methodology. The work used a set of research methods: generalization – systematization of information on world production and demand for light and heavy rare earth elements; analogy and comparison – generalization of experience in determining the distribution of rare earth elements in placer and core deposits; analysis and synthesis – to substantiate the feasibility of involving existing deposits of critical raw materials in development; empirical – to compare existing information on deposits of rare earth elements in Ukraine with the classification of the European Commission, in which they are divided into light and heavy materials. Findings. The most promising primary and placer deposits of light and heavy rare earth elements in Ukraine have been identified, according to an assessment by the European Commission. It has been established that the leading light rare earth elements found in zircon-ilmenite deposits of Ukraine are lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium, while the heavy ones are represented by terbium, dysprosium, erbium, and ytterbium. The potential content of light and heavy REE in primary deposits of Ukraine has been determined, according to which the main concentrations were found for light elements. Of the total content of light REE in ore, the largest share is represented by cerium (up to 28 % of the total quantity of deposits), lanthanum (up to 21 % of deposits) and neodymium (up to 18 % of deposits). In the same deposits, the yttrium content of the total share of REE does not exceed 3 %, and the remaining elements require additional study. It has been established that in placer deposits, the largest share of the total content of light REE in the ore is represented by cerium (up to 16 % of deposits), lanthanum (up to 14 %) and neodymium (up to 11 %), and the yttrium content does not exceed 3 %. Originality. For the first time, the division of rare earth elements contained in zircon-ilmenite deposits in Ukraine into light and heavy elements, according to the European Commission’s classification, was carried out. Deposits of critical mineral raw materials in Ukraine have been identified, from which light and heavy rare earth elements can be extracted. The need for further study of mineral deposits in the Azov, Volyn, and Polissia regions, as well as the Dnipropetrovsk and Zhytomyr regions, was substantiated to identify new locations of light and heavy rare earth elements and expand their existing list. Practical value. It has been determined that Ukraine has sufficient potential for the development of light and heavy rare earth elements from zircon-ilmenite deposits, as classified by the European Commission. However, for their effective exploitation, it is necessary to create a modern geological database, develop and implement the latest enrichment technologies, attract investments with the development of a transparent market, and organize a closed production cycle.