The economic viability of mining ionic clay for rare earth...

The economic viability of mining ionic clay for rare earth elements (REEs) depends on various factors, including the concentration of REEs in the clay and the current market prices for these elements. In general, for a mining operation to be economically feasible, the REE content in the ionic clay should be relatively high, typically in the range of hundreds to over a thousand parts per million (ppm) for total rare earth oxides (TREO).

However, it's important to note that the specific economic threshold can vary depending on factors like the cost of extraction, processing technology, and market demand. What's considered economically viable may change over time as technology improves and market dynamics evolve.

To determine the economic feasibility of mining ionic clay for REEs, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis should be conducted, taking into account all relevant factors and industry-specific conditions.