Organic acid leach system for rare earth extraction technology development

The Challenge

WA monazite ore is conventionally extracted via high temperature conversion with concentrated corrosive reagents that often emits hazardous by-products.

Current research has proven the concept that a WA monazite sample can be leached using two-stage organic acid leach process using more benign reagents and under atmospheric conditions.

These stages have been conducted in isolation, however, for a legitimate process to be developed, a continuous flowsheet must be designed involving several linkages and recycle steps.

The Solution

Development of a continuous flowsheet to optimise the key stages of the low temperature extraction and develop the interconnecting processes.

Proposed Benefit to WA

Potential for greater proportion of monazite ore processing to be conducted onshore in Western Australia.