Abstract：This papper is the result of mineral exploration engineering. [Objective]The Yichang phosphate deposits in Hubei Province are associated with rare earth elements (REY). Studying of REE distribution and occurrence state has great significance for the recovery and utilization and could be an important resource for rare earth ores in the future. [Methods]The REY bearing phosphorite is taken as the main research object. Based on systematic sampling, rock and ore identification, whole rock chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope observation, LA-ICP-MS analyzing are carried out. [Results]The results show that the total amount of REY in phosphorite are 63.5～271.8×10-6, the contents of REY in phosphorite of different horizons or lithology are different. [Conclusions]The contents of REY are obviously controlled by lithology, from dolomite → dolomitic phosphorite → dense massive phosphorite → argillaceous banded phosphorite → mudstone, and the contents gradually increasing. The trace elements compositions reflect that the ancient climates of the Yichang phosphate deposits were mainly dry and hot, and the northwest ones were slightly warm and humid; Ce anomaly, V/Ni and Y/Ho ratio reflect that the EH conditions of seawater were gradually oxidized from the Ph22 to the Ph13. The content of total REY in the Yichang phosphate deposits are low, and the REY contents of mudstone are higher than those in phosphate rocks, indicating that the contents of adsorbed REY are higher than the isomorphic REY. Yichang contains large amounts of REY bearing phosphate ore. The comprehensive recovery of REY in phosphate rocks is not only of great significance for rational utilization and economic development, but also provides new prospecting direction for REY resources in China.