Rare Earth Materials – Tangir, Pakistan
HZM Marmi e Pietre’s Rare Earth Materials division is developing one of Pakistan’s most promising geological frontiers:
the Tangir Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. This high-altitude region hosts rare earth minerals such as
Chevkinite-(Ce) and Monazite, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) including Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, and Praseodymium. Traditionally prized as exceptional mineral specimens, these resources now represent a strategic opportunity in a world increasingly dependent on rare earth elements (REEs).
Tangir Valley: A Strategic Rare Earth Frontier
The Tangir Valley lies within the Chilas Complex of the Kohistan Island Arc, a geologically unique environment formed by ancient magmatic and post-collisional processes. This setting has produced REE-rich minerals in syenite and pegmatite intrusions, making Tangir a globally recognised mineralogical hotspot.
The area’s combination of mineral endowment, evolving regulation, and improving infrastructure positions Tangir as an
emerging rare earth hub at the intersection of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Key Rare Earth Minerals in Tangir
Chevkinite-(Ce)
Chevkinite-(Ce) is a complex rare earth titanosilicate mineral, found in exceptional crystal quality in the
Tangir Valley. It is enriched in light rare earth oxides and contains titanium as a major component.
- Cerium (Ce2O3): typically 20–25 wt%
- Lanthanum (La2O3): typically 16–20 wt%
- Neodymium (Nd2O3): typically 8–12 wt%
- Other LREEs: Praseodymium, Samarium, Gadolinium (in lower but significant amounts)
- Titanium oxide (TiO2): approx. 17–20 wt%
- Thorium (ThO2): around 2 wt%, contributing mild natural radioactivity
Due to its composition and crystal habit, Tangir Chevkinite is considered one of the most remarkable occurrences of this
mineral worldwide, valued both by collectors and by industry for its REE potential.
Monazite-(Ce)
Tangir Monazite is hosted in syenite and related intrusions and is characterised by a light rare earth–rich composition
with thorium as an associated element. Crystals often display vibrant colour and pleochroism, making them attractive for
collectors while also representing a strategic resource.
- Dominant REEs: Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium
- Associated elements: Thorium (and trace Uranium)
- Associated minerals: Chevkinite, Apatite, Zircon
The combination of high LREE grade and strategic thorium content makes Tangir Monazite relevant to advanced nuclear,
energy, and high-tech supply chains when processed under robust safety and environmental standards.
Why Tangir’s Rare Earths Matter
High LREE Endowment
Tangir’s Chevkinite and Monazite are richly endowed in light rare earth elements, which are critical for electric motors,
wind turbines, electronic components, and advanced materials.
Global Supply Diversification
REE processing and supply are heavily concentrated in a few countries. Tangir offers a new, strategically located source
as major economies seek diversified and resilient rare earth supply chains.
Policy & Investment Momentum
Pakistan’s recent mining policy reforms, including harmonised national frameworks, improved data access, and investment
incentives, are creating a more predictable environment for responsible rare earth development.
From Mine to Market: Rare Earth Processing
HZM works with international laboratories, technical partners, and metallurgical experts to align the Tangir initiative with globally recognised REE processing practices across the full value chain:
- Beneficiation – Crushing, grinding, flotation, and magnetic/electrostatic separation to increase REE concentration and produce a high-grade mineral concentrate.
- Thermal Treatment – Roasting or cracking the concentrate at high temperature to break down the mineral matrix and make rare earths more accessible to leaching.
- Leaching & Solvent Extraction – Acid or alkaline leaching followed by solvent extraction to selectively separate individual rare earth elements.
- High-Purity Refining – Conversion to high-purity oxides and metals (often 99.9% and above), tailored to final applications such as magnets, catalysts, and advanced ceramics.
- Environmental Management – Controlled handling of thorium-bearing residues, water recycling, and compliant storage of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM).
Industrial Applications of Tangir’s Rare Earth Elements
- Neodymium (Nd): High-strength permanent magnets for EV motors, wind turbines, robotics and precision drives.
- Cerium (Ce): Glass polishing powders, catalytic converters, and alloying agents.
- Lanthanum (La): Optical glass, camera lenses, battery electrodes, and fluid catalytic cracking catalysts.
- Praseodymium (Pr): Specialised magnets, lasers, and aerospace alloys.
- Gadolinium (Gd): MRI contrast media, laser applications, and nuclear reactor control rods.
- Thorium (Th): Potential feedstock for advanced nuclear fuel cycles when managed under strict safety frameworks.
Tangir Rare Earths Initiative
HZM is supporting the development of a vertically integrated rare earth ecosystem under the Tangir Rare Earths Initiative, focused on transforming Pakistan’s mineral wealth into high-value industrial products.
- Establish modular pilot beneficiation and processing facilities near the Tangir mining area.
- Produce high-purity rare earth oxides and compounds for magnets, catalysts, and battery materials.
- Develop downstream industrial products for both domestic and export markets.
- Partner with technology providers, laboratories, and international offtakers.
Preliminary scenarios envisage a staged scale-up with potential revenues in the tens of millions of US dollars annually from rare earth-based products within the first years of full operation, subject to feasibility outcomes and market conditions.
Way Forward
Tangir’s rare earth minerals combine geological uniqueness with industrial relevance and strategic value. As global demand for clean energy technologies and advanced materials accelerates, responsibly developed rare earth resources will play an increasingly central role.
HZM Marmi e Pietre is committed to advancing the Tangir Rare Earths Initiative in line with international environmental, safety, and governance standards, engaging with local communities and global partners to unlock sustainable value from Pakistan’s mineral wealth.