The technological challenge of low concentrations of rare earth elements in ores is a critical issue in rare earth mining and processing. In this context, the SUPREEMO project aims to develop and integrate advanced technologies to address these challenges. REEs are often present only in trace amounts, even in deposits considered rich. As a result, mining these elements requires processing vast quantities of ore to extract small amounts of REEs, a process that can be both energy-intensive and costly.
The extraction itself involves complex chemical and physical processes, such as crushing, grinding, and leaching, which need to be highly optimised to manage low concentrations efficiently. Additionally, processing ores with low rare earth content generates significant waste, including tailings and chemical by-products, which pose environmental challenges and must be carefully managed to minimise ecological impact. This low yield per tonne of ore also increases production costs, making it difficult to compete with established producers unless innovative and cost-effective methods are developed.
The SUPREEMO project explores methods to separate and remove waste material early in the process. This approach reduces the volume of ore that requires intensive processing, reducing costs and energy use significantly. The innovative separation processes are tailored to handle low-concentration REEs, ensuring maximum recovery with minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, the SUPREEMO project incorporates innovative modelling and simulation tools to optimize processing workflows, improving the efficiency and scalability of REE extraction from low-grade ores.
By addressing the challenges associated with low REE concentrations, SUPREEMO aims to enhance Europe’s capacity for rare earth production, reducing reliance on imports and contributing to the development of a robust and sustainable supply chain for these critical materials.
