Fingerprinting environmentally sustainable ores using neodymium isotopes (Old ID 27841)

Queensland Department of Resources
Role

Collaborator

Description

The rare earth elements (REE) are a critical resource as the world transitions to an energy system dominated by green energy. However, current extraction methods rely on strong acid leaching, which has the potential to create environmental contamination. Alternative REE extraction methodologies, including phyto‐extraction (using plants) and bacteria induced bioleaching are currently being investigated. This project aims to utilise radiogenic and stable neodymium isotopes to characterise the isotopic fractionations induced during different REE extraction techniques. This isotopic fingerprinting will provide a method to verify more sustainably generated REE concentrates, enabling the Australian REE industry to be positioned as a world leading environmental producer.

Date

01 Sep 2022 - 30 Jun 2026

Project Type

CONTRACT_RESEARCH

Keywords

sustainable ores;Rare Earth Elements;neodymium;isotope tracers;metallurgical source tracing;phyto-extraction

Funding Body

Queensland Department of Resources

Amount

420500

Project Team

Brandon Mahan;Helen McCoy-West