2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Development of an advanced magnetic separation technology assisted by agglomeration for improving the recovery of rare earth minerals from finely ground low-grade ores
| Project/Area Number |
20K15214
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| Research Institution | Hokkaido University |
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Principal Investigator |
PARK ILHWAN 北海道大学, 工学研究院, 助教 (80844753)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | Magnetic Separation / Agglomeration / Rare Earth Minerals |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This research aims at developing advanced magnetic separation techniques for the recovery of rare earth element (REE)-bearing minerals from Mongolian ore deposits. The most important achievements of this study are summarized as follows:
1. The major REE-bearing minerals in the ore obtained from Mongolian deposit were Bastnaesite, Columbite, Pyrochlore, Synchysite, and Zircon, most of which have paramagnetic properties.
2. After magnetic separation of the ground ores, the contents of total rare earth oxide (TREO) in magnetic products were increased as particle size decreased due to the improvement of liberation degree.
3. Wet magnetic separation could not recover finely-ground REE-bearing minerals (< 0.01 mm).
4. Oil agglomeration increased the apparent particle size of fine Bastnaesite.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.
Reason
In FY2020, the characterization of ores used in this study were done, and the effects of particle size on the efficiency of magnetic separation were clearly understood. Moreover, the possibility of oil agglomeration of finely-ground Bastnaesite (D50 = ~2.9 μm) was confirmed.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In FY2021, the mechanisms of oil agglomeration of various REE-bearing minerals present in the ores will be elucidated via adsorption tests, particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, etc. Also, the effects of oil agglomeration on magnetic separation will be investigated.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Based on the ore characterizations done in FY2020, mineral specimens will be purchased for model experiments. Moreover, the rest of budget will be used for buying consumables, publishing research papers, and attending conferences.
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[Journal Article] Copper and critical metals production from porphyry ores and E-wastes: A review of resource availability, processing/recycling challenges, socio-environmental aspects, and sustainability issues2021
Author(s)
C.B. Tabelin, I. Park, T. Phengsaart, S. Jeon, M. Villacorte-Tabelin, D. Alonzo, K. Yoo, M. Ito, N. Hiroyoshi
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Journal Title
Resources, Conservation & Recycling
Volume: -
Pages: -
DOI
Peer Reviewed / Int'l Joint Research
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