Each situation is different and unique. But still shows similaities to other finds You are dealing with the whole planet and how it has evolved
If we are looking at an economic REE mine, then we would need some good intersections.
The other post is a copy/paste of characteristics related the OD-type deposit. Geologists look for similarities, but it is not necessary have all of the same indicators. In fact, it is possible to have other indicators that were not noted in this article. It is possible to have many indicators and still not be economical to mine. The Earth is very dynamic and models are meant to be challenged and refined. Geologist being by finding the proper tectonic environment, surface work, indirect (geophysical) work, etc and then to drilling. Initially drilling is either barren and you cut your loses, OR you get some mineralization to continue, OR you find an ore body (rare on the first few holes). I work with someone that actually did hit the ore body on the first hole on two separate drilling campaigns.
We still need to wait on the pending results from hole #2. I am hopefully since they logged mineralization over a thick interval.