Production of Critical Rare Earth Element Concentrates from Coal Sources

摘要

The supply of rare earth elements (REEs) is a significant issue nationally and internationally due to their importance in renewable energy and military technologies as well as the manufacturing of general consumer products. Recent research has found that coal is an excellent source of REEs, especially those identified as being critical. The treatment of coal sources containing around 0.03% of REEs using a combination of physical and hydrometallurgical separation processes has generated concentrates containing as high as 80% total REEs. The concentrates were comprised of relatively large amounts of neodymium and yttrium among other critical elements. A process circuit has been developed and preliminary assessments indicated the potential for economic recovery of the REEs.