Making Rare Earth Elements in apatite available for next generations (REEgenerate)

Research question

How can we beneficiate REE from primary and secondary raw materials, particularly from Swedish iron ores? By 2040, global demand for REE is expected to increase seven-fold. Europe is witnessing a steady increase in REE imports (98% of EU demand is met by China), as European primary REE sources are not yet being tapped. Development of a sustainable and efficient technology to recover REE from European phosphate-related primary and secondary raw materials, including Swedish mine waste, would be the first step toward creating an integrated value chain for REE production in Europe.

Sustainability aspects

The project addresses the following Sustainability Development Goals: 7, 8, 9, 12. It addresses concerns related to the use of persistent or hazardous chemicals, that may accumulate in a circular flow and generate waste, by efficient recycling. Preliminary results suggest ca. 100% of REE recovery form the mine waste material and > 98% of recycling rate of the chemicals used in the process.