Introduction
While Bastnäsite and Monazite provide the light elements, Xenotime is the industry’s prize target for the lucrative Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs). It is chemically similar to Monazite (they are both phosphates) but structurally prefers to host smaller, heavier atoms.
Composition & Chemistry
Formula: YPO4
Xenotime is dominantly Yttrium Phosphate. Because Yttrium is chemically tied to heavy rare earths, where you find Xenotime, you find high concentrations of Dysprosium, Terbium, Erbium, and Holmium. This “basket” of elements is worth significantly more per kilogram than the output of a Bastnäsite mine.
Processing & Occurrence
Xenotime is rare. It is almost never found in large, pure deposits. Instead, it is usually a minor component mixed into Monazite sands. Successful projects, like those in Malaysia or potential ones in Australia, often rely on separating Xenotime from other mineral sands to create a high-value concentrate.