Cracking & Leaching

DEco grade
Midstream5 facilities tracked

Hydrometallurgical breakdown of mineral concentrates using acid or alkaline digestion to produce a mixed rare earth carbonate or chloride solution.

Where does the mass go?

Material flow balance — per 100 t mineral concentrate fed

FeedstockChemical InputProcessValuable OutputWaste / Emissions
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Critical Ratio

~1.4 t of sulphuric acid consumed per tonne of concentrate - generating ~1.2 t of phosphogypsum waste

Ratings

Capital Outlay$$$ High
Technical DifficultyMedium
Geopolitical SensitivityHigh
Energy Intensity⚡⚡⚡ High
Environmental Footprint🍂 D - High impact
Value Add2x-3x
Technical MoatMedium

Material Flow

INMineral Concentrate
OUTMixed REE Carbonate (MREC)

Key Reagents / Inputs

  • Sulphuric acid
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Hydrochloric acid

Waste Outputs

  • Thorium / Uranium-bearing tailings (radioactive)
  • Acid raffinate
  • Gypsum sludge
  • Radioactive process water
🏰

Technical Moat

Medium

The chemistry is established, but the moat is Radioactive Waste Management and Global Environmental Compliance. High standards in China, Malaysia, and the West now mandate sophisticated tailings encapsulation and zero-discharge systems. The barrier is the massive capital and engineering required to meet these non-negotiable environmental 'licenses to operate'.

Tracked Facilities

5 total
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