System and process for selective rare earth extraction with sulphur recovery
The application relates to a process for rare earth extraction and thorium removal from monazite or bastnasite bearing ores or ore beneficiation and industrial waste containing a variable amount of rare earth elements as oxides, phosphates, carbonates or sulfates, comprising (i) controlled mixture between sulfuric acid and the material containing rare earth and (ii) water leaching under controlled conditions.
1. A process for rare earth extraction from monazite or bastnasite bearing ores or ore beneficiation or industrial waste comprising an amount of rare earth elements as oxides, phosphates, carbonates or sulfates, the method consisting of (i) controlled mixing between sulfuric acid and the monazite or the bastnasite bearing ores or the ore beneficiation or the industrial waste; and (ii) water leaching under controlled conditions,
wherein the controlled mixing is performed from 5 to 240 minutes at a temperature above room temperature to 80° C., and a speed of 100-300 rpm.
2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the controlled mixing is performed from 5 to 45 minutes.
3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the controlled mixing is performed at a temperature of 45° C.
4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the water leaching is performed at a temperature between 15° C. and 70° C.
5. The process according to claim 4 , wherein the water leaching is performed at a temperature between 20° C. and 50° C.
6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the water leaching pH is controlled between 1.5 and 4.0.
7. The process according to claim 6 , wherein the water leaching pH is controlled between 1.5 and 2.0.
8. A process for rare earth extraction from monazite or bastnasite bearing ores or ore beneficiation or industrial waste comprising an amount of rare earth elements as oxides, phosphates, carbonates or sulfates, the method consisting of (i) controlled mixing between sulfuric acid and the monazite or the bastnasite bearing ores or the ore beneficiation or the industrial waste; and (ii) water leaching under controlled conditions,
wherein the controlled mixing is performed from 5 to 240 minutes at a temperature above room temperature to 80° C.
9. The process according to claim 8 , wherein the controlled mixing is performed from 5 to 45 minutes.
10. The process according to claim 8 , wherein the controlled mixing is performed at a temperature of 45° C.
11. The process according to claim 8 , wherein the water leaching is performed at a temperature between 15° C. and 70° C.
12. The process according to claim 11 , wherein the water leaching is performed at a temperature between 20° C. and 50° C.
13. The process according to claim 8 , wherein the water leaching pH is controlled between 1.5 and 4.0.
14. The process according to claim 13 , wherein the water leaching pH is controlled between 1.5 and 2.0.