Recovery of Rare Earth Elements Minerals from Iron-Oxide-Silicate-Rich Tailings: Research Review

The rapid depletion of high-grade rare earth elements (REE) resources implies that future supplies may be augmented with low-grade ores, tailings, and other unconventional to meet cut-off grades and, subsequently, supply demands. This paper presents an amalgamation studies conducted on selected complex iron-oxide-silicate-rich the overall aim developing efficacious methods associated process mineralogy characterization for enhanced REE minerals recovery upgrade. To this end, a summary overarching key results from froth flotation, magnetic separation, gravity separation tailings their implications are presented in review. Reconciliation all findings reveals lucid links between feed ore properties, mainly particle size distribution, as influential factors affect beneficiation real although distinct differences physicochemical properties valuable gangue exist. It is clearly established unliberated association within can lead either synergistic or antagonistic effects quality concentrates produced. Furthermore, limitations by poorly liberated exacerbated “fine” nature. With appreciable recoveries obtained using such readily available conventional methods, provide additional value primary commodities; hence, material could considered potential resource beneficiation. learnings respective significantly important they knowledge base greater understanding mineralogical characteristics response typical complex, tailings.