Wencai Zhang, M. Rezaee, Abhijit Bhagavatula, Yonggai Li, J. Groppo, R. Honaker
2015.7.8International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization
tlooto Summary
Coal and coal by-products are a potential source of rare earth elements with estimated amounts in the range of 50 million metric tons, but commercial extraction and recovery have not been realized.
Abstract
Previous research indicates that coal and coal by-products are a potential source of critical elements including rare earth elements (REE) with estimated amounts in the range of 50 million metric tons. Despite the proven presence of elevated REE concentrations, commercial extraction and recovery have not been realized. This article provides a review of the abundance, mode of occurrence, and recovery methods of rare earth elements in coal and coal by-products. The feasibility of using established REE extraction and recovery technologies is discussed along with issues associated with their use with coal resources.
Citation format
ZHANG, Wencai, et al. A review of the occurrence and promising recovery methods of rare earth elements from coal and coal by-products. International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 2015, 35: 295–330.