Three case studies are presented to demonstrate the analysis that is necessary as a crucial first step towards valorisation. However, extraction of any metal value from tailings is contingent on detailed mineralogical characterisation. This review provides an overview of these technologies, as well as an introduction to the sequence of events when undertaking mineral processing, for an audience not specialised in this discipline. Gravity concentration using counter flow fluidised bed separators is also suitable for separating minerals from gangue.

Separation of minerals from gangue can be achieved using flotation, with fluidised bed reactors and reactor-separator induced air reactors being suitable for coarse and fine particles, respectively. Particle separation based on size can be achieved using semi-inverted cyclones and hybrid classification technologies. Mineral liberation can be achieved using stirred milling, which breaks up particles and removes hydrophilic surface that can prevent particle flotation. There are a range of innovative technologies that can be used to liberate and separate critical metals from mining and processing waste. This means that while the overall mineral processing sequence for mining and processing wastes is the same as run of mine ore, the best technologies to achieve the liberation, separation, and concentration of critical metals is different. Mining and processing wastes have significantly different properties to run of mine ores. Significant concentrations of critical metals have reported to mining and processing wastes over time thus, an opportunity exists to meet critical metal demand through re-processing of these wastes.

Many of these technologies are reliant on “critical metals”: metals considered both important to society and vulnerable to supply disruption. Of some promising methods, which could serve as an economical means for recovering REEs.ĭemand for technologies delivering renewable energy and improving energy efficiencies are set to increase with the worldwide movement towards low carbon economies. This article provides an overview of primary and secondary resources and summarizes presents case scenario of studies carried out on the use Hydrometallurgical methods, such as roasting, leaching, precipitation, crystallization, solvent extraction, and ion exchange includes fast developing, selective, eco-friendly, and cost-effective technologies especially for the extraction of REEs. Sustainable sourcing is targeted with carefully designed roadmap for cost efficient REE production from end-of-life products (EoLs) in addition to mining activities as providing primary sources. Recycling of rare-earth-containing products is essential as a way to achieve the sustainable development goals also set out in the European Green Deal. Many countries agree that the responsible consumption, production, and Increasing demand for low carbon technologies and renewable energy sources requires our resources and economies to be circular.

Wet gravity circuit