Rosnedra Opens Applications for Arctic Area with Rare-Earth Mineral Kularite in Yakutia

Rosnedra has offered the Kuolakh area in the Bulunsky district of Yakutia for geological study — in the Arctic zone of the republic. The predicted resources in category P2 are 5,830 tons of kularite and 3,690 tons of rare-earth metals (REE), the area of the site is 5.17 sq. km. This was reported by TASS on March 18, citing data from the agency. Kularite is a rare-earth phosphate mineral, a variety of monazite, discovered in Yakutia. Its composition includes cerium, neodymium, and lanthanum: elements used in the production of permanent magnets, electric motors, avionics, and laser systems. The deadline for accepting applications for all sites is April 23.Kuolakh Area: Rare-Earth Metals in the Arctic Zone

The area is located in the Bulunsky district — one of the most inaccessible Arctic regions of the republic. Category P2 means a forecast assessment based on geological assumptions without direct confirmation by drilling — the actual reserves will have to be established during geological exploration.

Global demand for rare-earth metals and minerals is steadily growing amid the development of electric transport and high-tech industries. Cerium, neodymium, and lanthanum from kularite are among the strategic materials for which Russia is consistently increasing its own raw material base.

Other Areas in Rosnedra's Package

Intakh Stream (Yegorka Stream), Oymyakonsky district of Yakutia — placer gold, area 8.62 sq. km

Kulukhun Stream, left tributary of Antagachan, Momsky district of Yakutia — placer gold, area 29.9 sq. km

Tagninsky area, Zalarinsky district of the Irkutsk region — coal, resources P1: 17.7 million tons, area 2.08 sq. km

Key parameters of the Kuolakh area

Location: Bulunsky district, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Arctic zone

Area: 5.17 sq. km

Predicted kularite resources (category P2): 5,830 tons

Predicted REE resources (category P2): 3,690 tons

Target mineral: kularite — rare-earth phosphate, a variety of monazite

REE composition: cerium, neodymium, lanthanum

Application deadline: until April 23, 2026

Rosnedra's proposal fits into the federal project "Geology: Revival of the Legend." Yakutia, within the framework of the program, expects to discover up to 100 new deposits — the geological knowledge of the republic by 2028 should increase from 12 to 24%. 18.4 billion rubles will be allocated for these purposes in the next three years — the largest amount of funding among all regions of the country within the framework of the program, said the head of the republic, Aisen Nikolaev.

Arctic Yakutia remains one of the least geologically studied regions of Russia with high forecast potential. The Kuolakh area with kularite is exactly the type of asset that acquires strategic importance in the context of a global REE shortage. "Source:www1.ru"