Biomining of Rare Earth Elements from Phosphate Ores and Minerals

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are important for establishing a technology based society, however are difficult to process. The use of biomining for the extraction of REEs minerals offers a benign alternative to conventional hydrometallurgical routes with more selective solubilisation of REEs over radionuclides. The use of phosphate solubilising microorganisms in the bioleaching of REEs was investigated to gain a better understanding of the leaching behaviour of individual REEs and the mechanism attributed to their mobilisation.