Lichen Offers Visible Clue to Hidden Rare Earth Deposits

A Chinese research team has identified a vivid orange-yellow crust-forming lichen as a field indicator of rare-earth-element (REE) enriched carbonatites. The lichen’s distinctive colour makes it easy to spot on exposed rock, providing a low-cost visual cue for potential REE deposits in gardens, country walls, or hiking trails.

South China Morning Post

Professor Li Yang of Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences explained that this is the second time Chinese scientists have discovered a biological indicator for mineral exploration, the first being “copper grass” in the 1950s.

South China Morning Post

Researchers propose combining the lichen-based field survey with unmanned aerial vehicles and hyperspectral remote sensing to screen large areas efficiently. Such integration could accelerate the identification of REE-bearing carbonates, minerals essential for electronics, renewable-energy technologies, and defense applications.

South China Morning Post

Professor Li Yang highlighted that the discovery represents an original scientific contribution that could enhance mineral-exploration strategies. He noted that the lichen’s colour contrast simplifies on-site reconnaissance, potentially reducing the need for extensive geochemical sampling.

South China Morning Post

• “This is the second time Chinese scientists have discovered a similar indicator – the first was copper grass in the 1950s – and both are original scientific discoveries in mineral exploration,” — Professor Li Yang, said professor

South China Morning Post