Byproduct Recovery
Extraction of rare earth elements from industrial waste streams generated by other primary industries, including red mud (alumina refining), phosphogypsum (phosphoric acid production), coal ash, and uranium tailings. No new land disturbance - REEs are recovered from material that would otherwise be stockpiled as waste.
Where does the mass go?
Material flow balance — per 100 t industrial waste stream (red mud, phosphogypsum, or fly ash)
Critical Ratio
~5 t of REE concentrate recovered from 100 t of industrial waste - specific reagents vary by waste type (red mud uses NaOH roast; phosphogypsum uses dilute H₂SO₄; fly ash uses alkaline fusion)
Ratings
Material Flow
Key Reagents / Inputs
- Sulphuric acid
- Solvent extractants
- Sodium hydroxide
Waste Outputs
- Depleted waste residue
- Acid raffinate
- Process water effluent
Technical Moat
MediumThe moat is Access to Feedstock and Host-Process Integration. The chemistry is established, but securing long-term agreements with the host industrial operator and integrating REE recovery circuits into existing plant infrastructure requires deep commercial and engineering relationships.
