Processing the ores of rare-earth elements

Significant academic research and moderate commercial process innovation on rare-earth element (REE) processing have been underway for decades. The last several years have seen exponential growth in research due to growth in demand of REE that is threatened by supply risks and environmental obstacles. The REE industry appears to be at the intersection of strong, but conflicting forces, including public and political support for a Green Revolution and sustainability, as well as the need for a clean, reliable, and socially responsible supply chain. REE recoveries from ore are limited by current technology and plant practice to 50-80 percent. Increasing demand can be partially satisfied by recycling, but reliable and continuous increases in supply will also require new mineral resources, improved process efficiency, and lower production costs. This article reviews and summarizes the past and current REE processing technologies, commonly employed REE separation routes and methods, and suggests ways to increase efficiency in future REE processing.