METHOD FOR RARE EARTH AND ACTINIDE ELEMENT RECOVERY, EXTRACTION AND SEPARATIONS FROM NATURAL AND RECYCLED RESOURCES

摘要

Methods are described for the recovery and separation of the rare earth elements from ore, tailings, or any other solid source. The methods described utilize mechanochemical methods for creating chemical compounds and complexes which are suitable for separation from the original materials. The rare earth element compounds created from the solids are then able to be extracted from the remainder of the materials through the use of solvents. Finally utilizing selective titrations, counter current chromatography and reverse phase chromatography the elements are separated from each other and converted into oxides, hydroxides, salts and organometallic compounds.