Innovative Processes For Rare Earth Element Recovery From Waste Water

Employment

2015 Metallurgy attachee at Anglo American Unki Platinum Mines 

Qualifications

2016 BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering (NUST)

Project Description

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a range of metallic elements with similar physico-chemical properties. There has been an increase in their demand over the past years due to advancement in technology within sectors like glass/phosphors, metal alloying, magnets, ceramics, etc. Wastewater and acid mine/rock drainage, which have adverse effects on the environment, are possible sources for these valuable REEs. The project aims to firstly identify wastewaters or acid mine/rock drainage streams in South Africa containing REEs. Finally, an innovative extraction method, which is economical and feasible, will be investigated for the recovery of these REEs.