This paper introduces the global supply and demand history of rare earth resources. According to the ore genesis, the REE deposits can be divided into endogenic and exogenic types. The endogenic REE deposits include carbonate type, alkaline rock type, alkaline rock- carbonate type, iron oxide Cu- Au type, and hydrothermal vein type. The exogenic REE deposits include weathering crust ion- adsorption type, sedimentary rock type, sedimentary mineral (coal, bauxite, and sedimentary phosphate) associated type, placer- type, and modern deep- sea mud type. The basic characteristics and spatial and temporal distribution of the main REE deposit types are summarized as follows. The endogenic REE deposits form in four of tectonic environments, including rift environment, post- collision extension environment, continental collision environment and post- subduction extension environment. Based on the tectonic evolution, the migration and enrichment regularity of REEs in the endogenic and exogenic geological processes are discussed.