Rare Earth Element Occurrences and Mineral Districts in the United States

Version 4.0 of this U.S. Geological Survey release describes over 200 mineral districts, mines, and mineral occurrences reported to contain substantial enrichments of rare earth elements. The database captures the distribution and characteristics of known REE deposits, which are diverse in their geology and resource potential. Entries were derived from published papers, reports, and industry documents as part of an ongoing effort.

Use Cases

• Map the distribution of reported REE occurrences across U.S. states like Alaska, California, and Colorado for resource assessment
• Analyze the geological characteristics and reported REE concentrations of over 200 mineral districts and mines
• Identify potential sources for REE extraction from non-fuel mineral deposits as referenced in the dataset scope
• Support studies on critical mineral supply chains by examining the diversity of deposit types and resource potential described

Strengths

• Describes over 200 mineral districts, mines, and occurrences, providing a substantial inventory of U.S. REE sites
• Version 4.0 represents a multi-year compilation effort derived from State, Federal, and industry reports
• Explicitly documents the inclusion criteria and author decisions regarding REE occurrence data, clarifying data scope

Limitations

• Data completeness varies widely, with some occurrences having only general descriptions while others have detailed analyses
• The dataset is explicitly a progress report and may not capture all known examples, requiring updates with new information
• Focus is restricted to non-fuel mineral deposits, excluding potential REE sources from coal-based resources or recycling mentioned in the background

Provenance

Source

Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center)

Collection Method

Entries derived from published papers, reports, data, and internet documents from geologic and exploration studies.

Freshness

Last updated on January 20, 2026, indicating recent maintenance.

Geography

United States, with specific tags for states including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, and Georgia.