TS-061849 — The Rare Earth Element Trap-Extract-Precipitate (REE-TEP) process is a cost-effective and environmentally benign approach to recover rare earth elements (REEs) from acidic waste streams. It involves beneficial reuse
of readily available industrial by-products and a naturally occurring organic ligand resulting in REE concentrate that can be commercially processed to produce rare earth oxides (REOs).
The Need
Rare earth elements are critical components of many emerging technologies. Because conventional sources of REEs in the United States are limited, identifying alternative sources is important. Many mining and industrial waste streams have elevated concentrations of REEs and can be potential…