Systems and processes for recovery of high-grade rare earth concentrate from acid mine drainage
US10954582B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/20
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a continuous process for treating acid mine drainage while simultaneously recovering a high-grade rare earth preconcentrate suitable for extraction of commercially valuable rare earth oxides. In a further aspect, the preconcentrate is from about 0.1% to 5% rare earth elements on a dry weight basis. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for processing the preconcentrate to generate a pregnant leach solution that does not form gels or emulsions and is suitable for processing via solvent extraction. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a system and plant for carrying out the disclosed process. In still another aspect, the disclosure relates to a composition containing rare earth elements produced by the process disclosed herein. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.