In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the rare earth elements (REE) landscape, researchers in Ukraine have uncovered a promising method to extract valuable REEs from phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent study published in the journal *Mineral Resources of Ukraine* (Мінеральні ресурси України), offers a sustainable solution to the global shortage of these critical metals, which are essential for modern industries, including renewable energy and electronics.
Lead author A. P. Mukhachev, from the M. S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and his team have demonstrated that phosphogypsum can be converted using carbonate compounds based on ammonium, potassium, and sodium. This process not only produces valuable chemical compounds and fertilizers but also enriches the raw material with rare earth elements up to 5% and strontium up to 12%.
“The conversion of phosphogypsum with these carbonate solutions allows us to obtain a range of profitable products, including mineral fertilizers like NH₄NO₃, (NH₄)₂SO₄, and Ca(NO₃)₂,” Mukhachev explained. “The almost zero cost of phosphogypsum makes these fertilizers particularly valuable for agriculture.”
The study highlights the potential to separate the total concentrate of rare earth elements into lighter and medium-heavy groups, further refining them into paired concentrates such as lanthanum-cerium and neodymium-praseodymium. These elements are in high demand due to their use in high-performance magnets, catalysts, and other advanced technologies.
“The high cost of individual rare earth elements, particularly neodymium, lanthanum, and gadolinium, makes this separation process economically viable,” Mukhachev noted. “Our technology not only addresses the shortage of REEs but also provides a sustainable way to utilize phosphogypsum, which is often considered a waste product.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Rare earth elements are crucial for the production of wind turbines, electric vehicles, and other green technologies. By tapping into this unconventional source, the energy sector could become more self-sufficient and reduce its dependence on traditional mining methods, which often have substantial environmental impacts.
“This research opens up new avenues for the extraction of rare earth elements, which are vital for the energy transition,” said a spokesperson for an international energy consortium. “The ability to derive these elements from phosphogypsum could revolutionize the supply chain and make renewable energy technologies more accessible and affordable.”
The study’s findings are particularly relevant in the current geopolitical climate, where the supply of rare earth elements is often concentrated in a few countries, leading to potential vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. By developing domestic sources of these critical metals, countries like Ukraine can enhance their energy security and reduce reliance on imports.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, this research offers a glimmer of hope. The comprehensive phosphogypsum conversion technology developed by Mukhachev and his team not only addresses the shortage of rare earth elements but also provides a sustainable way to utilize a previously underutilized resource.
“The high efficiency of the technological solutions obtained in this study allows us to recommend the developed technology for the implementation of sustainable phosphogypsum conversion in Ukraine and abroad,” Mukhachev concluded.
With the publication of this research in *Mineral Resources of Ukraine*, the scientific community and industry stakeholders now have a roadmap for leveraging phosphogypsum as a viable source of rare earth elements. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, this innovative approach could play a pivotal role in shaping the energy sector and beyond.