Abstract: Bastnaesite is the primary global source of light rare earth elements ( LREEs). Its efficient separation and comprehensive utilization are critical for securing rare earth resource supply. However,inherent resource constraints create persistent technical challenges. These include complex mineral associations and fine dissemination size. Consequently,systematic review of mineral processing advances is urgently needed to underpin process optimization. This paper outlines deposit characteristics of China′s three major bastnaesite resources:Bayan Obo,Liangshan,and Weishan. It comprehensively evaluates combined separation processes, including magnetic-flotation, magnetic-gravity, gravity-flotation, and gravity-magnetic-flotation. Technical features and application scenarios are analyzed for each process. Analysis confirms future development must prioritize three interconnected pathways:strengthening modular gravity-magnetic-flotation integration to enhance complex ore processing; Advancing intelligent flotation systems incorporating dynamic pulp conditioning and precision reagent dosing;And establishing mineral genetic characteristic-driven separation models. This study provides fundamental guidance for selecting technological pathways toward efficient rare earth resource exploitation. 

Key words: bastnaesite,resource profile,beneficiation processes,research status,development directions