Introduction
Loparite is a complex oxide mineral that is largely ignored by the West but is vital to the Russian rare earth industry. It is mined almost exclusively on the Kola Peninsula in the Arctic Circle.
Composition & Chemistry
Formula: (Ce,Na,Ca)(Ti,Nb)O3
Loparite is unique because it is a “multi-metal” ore. It contains:
- Light Rare Earths: Cerium, Lanthanum (30-35%)
- Titanium: (~40%)
- Niobium & Tantalum: Valuable metals for superalloys and electronics.
Strategic Importance
Because it contains Niobium and Tantalum (strategic metals in their own right), the economics of mining Loparite are different from standard rare earth mines. The revenue is split across multiple critical commodities. The processed concentrate is typically shipped from the Arctic to the Solikamsk Magnesium Works for separation.