Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from Monazite: A Review of Current Practices and Emerging Opportunities for Bangladesh

The increasing global demand for rare earth elements (REEs), particularly lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium, has led to a growing interest in alternative and sustainable sources. Monazite, a phosphate mineral rich in light REEs, is a promising resource in countries like Bangladesh, where monazite-containing heavy mineral sands have been identified along the southeastern coastline and in the extensive river systems. Monazite placer-style deposits in the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf–Moheshkhali coastal belt and inland rivers are formed through prolonged weathering and sedimentation processes and contain significant concentrations of La, Ce, and Nd. Exploration of monazite in Bangladesh is still at a preliminary stage, but laboratory and pilot-scale beneficiation and mineral separation studies show a favorable recovery rate. Further work is needed to quantify reserves, monazite properties (chemistry, grainsize), and amenability to beneficiation. This review study critically evaluates the geological setting, mineralogical characteristics, and extraction potential of Bangladeshi monazite within the broader context of global REE recovery. The applicability of modern, environmentally sustainable extraction, and beneficiation technologies to local monazite resources are assessed and used to identify pathways for developing a sustainable REE industry in Bangladesh. Our analysis indicates that integration of advanced extraction technologies and local mineral beneficiation could support the development of a strategic REE supply chain in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to regional and global resource security.