Perspective of Obtaining Rare Earth Elements in Poland

Abstract

Along with the increasing development of electric and electronic industries, the demand for rare earth elements is also growing due to their high position in many applications. In Poland, there are minerals containing REE; however, the concentration of these elements in raw materials is rather low, so they do not have a big impact on the national economy. The potential source of REE is secondary materials; among them are phosphogypsum, uranium tailings, and the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Lanthanides as accompanying metals of uranium in Polish uranium ores were leached in the technology of uranium recovery from these resources. The recovery of REE from pregnant liquors was conducted by solvent extraction and ion exchange. Novel apparatus solutions like membrane contactors in extraction stage were tested. Different types of matrices (uranium ore, phosphorites, etc.) were used.

Potential Future Alternative Resources for Rare Earth Elements: Opportunities and Challenges

“…Phosphogypsum (CaSO4•2H2O) which is rich in REE is a waste generated during the production of the phosphoric acid process and the composition of impurities depends on the source of the phosphate. Phosphogypsum and uranium tailings are being used to extract REE in Poland [106]. Such industrial metal wastes can become sources for the extraction of REE.…”