Caractérisation des éléments des terres rares : Suivi de l’évolution des processus de cuisson/lixiviation par la caractérisation minéralogique détaillée

Some major obstacles in defining an efficient Rare Earth Element (REE) extraction flowsheet are associated to the optimization of baking and leaching processes, in particular for refractory low-grade ores. To overcome these challenges, a thorough understanding of the nature of the solid residue and precipitates throughout the complete reactive processes is necessary. This can be accomplished by detailed characterization of the evolution of surface and crystal chemistry characteristics that can help identify the reaction mechanisms and associated kinetic limitations.