Breakthrough in Rare Earth Extraction Technology

Rare earth extraction technology achieves breakthrough by the Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology. According to the report, the team of Professor Mei Li aimed to control the three wastes of rare metal pollution at the source and improve the utilization rate of resources. Using a new cross-disciplinary approach and a set of new technologies for the efficient enrichment of rare minerals. The technology is currently in the pilot stage.

As the physical and chemical properties of the 17 elements are similar and many impurity elements associated with REE come out along with them, the processes of their extraction are complicated. Commonly, there are three kinds of technologies: the fractional step method, ion exchange method, and solvent method.

This new technology may replace the rare earth high-temperature roasting extraction process of concentrated sulfuric acid in the north of China for nearly 40 years, and fundamentally solve the problem of pollution of the three wastes of rare minerals smelting (exhaust gas, wastewater, slag).

Professor Li said: "The new technology has changed the pattern that Baiyun Ebo mine with only 50% output of rare earth concentrates and leap it to 65%, as well as increased the recovery rate by 15%. The new technology will not only bring huge economic benefits to the enterprise but also provide technical support for the rapid development of Baotou's rare mineral industry."

The data shows that the smelting process of this new extraction technology can obtain high purity mixed rare earth chloride solution with a recovery rate of more than 93%, and by-products such as fluorine, phosphorus, thorium, and other by-products that cause pollution during the smelting process can also be recycled. That means the source of pollution would be cut off from the source.

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