Characteristics of Light Rare Earths from Korean Coal Power Plants Ash

Abstract

We reported the possibilities of controlling the critical rare metals crisis existed for several years. Currently, critical rare metals are highly demanded and growing fast in green technologies. Recycling of mineral waste sources for the recovery of critical rare metals are one of the alternative resources for this critical rare metals crisis. Various mineral waste sources such as mine residues and coal ash are rich sources of rare earth elements. This study sought to identify the information needed to determine whether there might be a potential for commercial extraction of the rare earth elements (Nd, Dy) from coal power plants ash. The aim of this study was to recovery and characterize the light rare earth metals from Korean coal power plants ash and simultaneous utilization of CO2. Accelerated carbonation was a more suitable process for CO2 capture and simultaneous utilization of this CO2 for the manufacturing of “green cement” (Calcium Sulfo Aluminate) from coal power plants ash.