Mining & Processing

How Erbium Is Mined and Processed

Erbium (Er) is a rare earth element with global annual production of approximately 720 tonnes, primarily from China and Myanmar. Typical ore grades range from 0.01-0.05% Er2O3.

Mining Methods

Erbium is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Ion-adsorption clay leaching
• Byproduct of bastnasite/monazite mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Erbium include:

• Ion-adsorption clays
• Xenotime
• Euxenite

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Erbium ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Solvent extraction separation
2. Ion exchange chromatography

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Erbium must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 95% of global production is concentrated.