Mining & Processing

How Holmium Is Mined and Processed

Holmium (Ho) is a rare earth element with global annual production of approximately 15 tonnes, primarily from China and Myanmar. Typical ore grades range from 0.005-0.01% Ho2O3.

Mining Methods

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

• Byproduct of rare earth mining
• Ion-adsorption clay leaching

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Holmium include:

• Ion-adsorption clays
• Monazite
• Xenotime

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Holmium ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Solvent extraction separation

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Holmium 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.