Multi-mineral use for pure REE and phosphorus production- MULTIREEP
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f samhällsbygg & naturresurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the MULTIREEP project is to expand the application of LKAB´s existing hydrometallurgical process to extract phosphorus and rare earth elements (REE) from new types of minerals. The objective is to develop a flexible process adaptable to multiple raw materials, thereby strengthening self-sufficiency for Sweden and the EU in these critical resources.
Expected effects and result
The project is expected to develop an integrated process flowchart that enables the extraction of REE and phosphorus from various mineral types within a single process. The findings will clarify the relationships between the specific properties of each mineral type and the necessary treatment steps for optimal extraction. This could reduce the EU´s reliance on imported resources and provide a foundation for a potential full-scale project.
Planned approach and implementation
The project begins by identifying and characterizing various minerals to understand how their unique properties influence extraction methods. Through thermodynamic analyses and laboratory experiments, it evaluates which minerals require customized treatment steps to be effectively integrated into a unified process. If successful, these insights will form the basis for designing a full-scale project that can help meet the EU´s needs for REE and phosphorus.