Fingerprinting environmentally sustainable ores using neodymium isotopes (Old ID 27841)
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 2025
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