Rare-earth deposits of a non-traditional type in the Azov part of the Ukrainian Shield

The geological structure and prospects of a group of rare earth objects of exogenous origin, unconventional for the Ukrainian industry, are considered. According to the authors, this is mainly the clay weathering crust of granitoids and other aluminosilicate rocks, which contains sorbed or close to them elements of the yttrium group. A feature of ores of this type that may interest investors is the possibility of relatively simple and inexpensive extraction of REE. As an example, a brief description of specific objects within the Azov part of the Ukrainian shield and on its border with Donbas is given. This is the weathering crust of subalkaline rare-metal granites of the Yekateriniv and Starodubiv massifs, aluminosilicate metamorphic rocks of the Valerianiv area, and tectonic mélange zone argillites of the Zhogoliv area. The Y-Ta-Nb type of deposits was established on the massifs, and mainly yttrium-earth deposits on the metamorphic rocks. The actual results of the analytical research made it possible to draw conclusions about the qualitative and quantitative composition of ores and forecast resources. A comparison of industrial technological methods of extracting Y and ∑REE from loose ores of the Zhogoliv ore deposit was made. The expediency of further searches and research in order to expand the mineral raw material rare earth base of Ukraine is substantiated.