2023-Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit
SIPS2023 Volume 10. Torem Intl. Symp/ Mineral Processing
| Editors: | F. Kongoli, G. N. Anastassakis, A. Abhilash, H. R. Kota, A. G. Merma, E. Souza, C.H. Sampaio, R. Souza, M.M. Vellasco, F. Zeballos, J. Sokolovic |
| Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
| Publication Year: | 2023 |
| Pages: | 142 pages |
| ISBN: | 978-1-989820-90-2 (CD) |
| ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
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RARE-EARTH MARKET AND APPLICATIONS: THE RECENT TRENDS
Marcos de Campos1; Amilton da Silva Jr2; Jose Adilson de Castro3;1UFF - FEDERAL FLUMINENSE U., Volta Redonda, Brazil; 2CEFET - RJ, Valença , Brazil; 3UFF - FEDERAL FLUMINENSE UNIVERSITY, Volta Redonda, Brazil;
Type of Paper: Regular
Id Paper: 292
Topic: 5
Abstract:
The market of rare-earths is reviewed. The rare-earth market is driven by three main applications: permanent magnets, luminescent phosphors and catalysis. The market is currently driven by iron based rare-earth magnets. Luminescent phsophors are a relevant application, but in this case the rare-earth acts as a dopant and the demand volume is not so high as in rare-earth magnets. Cheaper rare-earths as cerium and lanthanum are used in catalysis. Lanthanum is used for oil cracking, for stabilizing zeolites . Other applications are also reviewed. Yttrium demand increased recently, probably due to increased production of yttria stabilized zirconia.
Electrical cars use typically 1-2 kg of permanent magnets of the NdFeB type, based on the NBd2Fe14B, with partial replacement of Nd by Pr, and by Dy and Tb to increase the operation temperature. In many applications, there is the possibility of replacement of NdFeB magnets by hard ferrites as Sr2Fe12O19 or BaFe12O19. However, for electric cars, NdFeB-type magnets are preferrable because they increase the machine efficiency.
Many rare-earth extraction projects were recently announced in Brazil. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of technology for rare-earth concentration, and also for rare-earth oxide separation. Here, it is discussed the roadmaps to be followed to overcome such problems. China developed better technology for rare-earth oxide separation [1], and this possibly is the reason for the Chinese leadership in the rare-earth market.
Ores containing rare-earth are very abundant along the globe. The main problem is cheap technology for rare-earth concentration and also for rare-earth oxide separation. Brazil has potential for becoming a significant producer of rare-earths, by using the tailings of niobium and tin mines. However, proper technology has to be developed for using these tailings.