Rare Earth Element Potential in the Araí Rift Metavolcanic, Central Brazil: Gamma‐Ray Signatures, Mineralogy and Exploration Implications

ABSTRACT Although central Brazil hosts significant ion‐adsorption rare earth element (REE) deposits associated with A‐type granites, their coeval volcanic counterparts have been largely overlooked as exploration targets. This study demonstrates that acidic metavolcanic rocks of the Araí Group share strong radiometric, geochemical and mineralogical affinities with established REE‐enriched coeval granitic suites. Airborne gamma‐ray spectrometry reveals elevated K, eTh and eU anomalies that directly correlate with REE‐enriched zones. Whole‐rock geochemistry classifies these units as calc‐alkaline to tholeiitic, displaying marked light REE enrichment with total REE + Y concentrations reaching up to 1453 ppm. Petrographic and microprobe analyses identified REE‐bearing minerals, including allanite, monazite, and parisite. Furthermore, pervasive hydrothermal alteration led to the redistribution of REEs via F − and CO 3 2− rich fluids. These radiometric and mineralogical anomalies are analogous to those of the nearby REE‐mineralized Pedra Branca and Mocambo massifs, highlighting the Araí metavolcanic sequence as a highly prospective target for ion‐adsorption REE deposits.