Environmentally benign solvent free extraction of rare earth elements from leach solutions.

Purpose and goal

´Environmentally friendly solvent-free extraction of rare earths from leach solutions´ This project aims to demonstrate a process using surfactants and extraction chemicals for extraction of rare earth elements (REE). This technology not only reduce the environmental impact of the industry, but also reduce its costs. Chromafora has proven the idea and created a plan for a full-scale project. The feasibility study has created intellectual property and ´know how´ for extraction of REE and for new technologies that can help reduce the environmental impact of hydrometallurgy.

Results and expected effects

Chromafora and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has developed a plan for a full-scale test-/verification project for environmentally friendly, solvent-free extraction of rare earths from leach solutions. Chromafora and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has put together actors in the industry for the implementation of a full-scale project. Chromafora and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has in experimental studies developed patentable technology for environmentally friendly extraction of rare earths from leach solutions.

Approach and implementation

Chromafora and IVL has put together a detailed plan for a full-scale project. Chromafora and IVL has established relationships with relevant stakeholders interested in a test-/verification project. Chromafora and IVL has in experimental studies eliminated all unknown unknowns in the project and has developed the technology to patent height. The experimental feasibility studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the technology and has eliminated threats to a successful full-scale project. The project has been successful against the promised and expected results.