Ashes and Slag as Prospective Raw Materials for Rare Earth Metals Recovery

Abstract

There were considered possibilities of rare earth metals recovery from ashes and slag, predominantly from energy industry. There were carrying out laboratory research that showed that it is possible recovery of rare earth metals from ashes and slag of CHP plants by means of native species acidophilic chemolithotrophic microorganism populations. Data of this research could serve as the basis for mode adjustment and technology development for rare earth metals extraction from ashes and slag of CHP plants by means of biotechnology technique usingnative species acidophilic chemolithotrophic microorganism populations. There was also offered a possibility of developed approach’s implementation in pilot conditions using combined flotation devices, i.e. flotation plant, with description and mode of operation. Application of proposed unit allows to increase leaching degree of the rare earth metals by 15-20 per cents in comparison with conventional devices.