Grant: Alliance Grants

Rare earth elements (REEs), including scandium, yttrium, and fifteen lanthanides, are becoming increasingly important in the transition to a low-carbon, green economy due to their primary usage in permanent magnets, optics and lasers, catalysts, wind- and solar-energy conversion, and rechargeable batteries. Canada, despite being home to the most substantial reserves of REEs, has only recently commenced operations at its inaugural REE facility in Saskatchewan. The main barriers to the widespread hydrometallurgical processing of REEs are laborious procedures, economic and environmental concerns, and difficulties in identifying and separating REEs due to their physical and chemical similarity. To tackle these challenges, the proposed research aims to develop a two-level characterization strategy that combines the rapid X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method and the more accurate inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) for the determination of REEs based on their content levels in different feedstocks. Additionally, a generic methodology will be explored to assess the effectiveness of the extractant in the solvent-extraction separation of REEs from leachate solutions, utilizing density functional theory calculation, spectroscopic characterization, and experimental verification. Simulation and optimization methods will also be employed to reduce operating costs in the REE leaching and separation processes. Finally, cost-effective and environmentally friendly treatment technologies will be developed for liquid and solid wastes generated from REE processing to achieve nearly zero discharge of saline wastewater. By working closely with our industrial partner, the proposed research aims to generate valuable methodologies and insights, hence serving as a guiding framework for the development of the industrial-scale REE processing plant. Meanwhile, a unique environment will be created for the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in both fundamental and applied research.