Simultaneous leaching of rare earth elements and phosphorus from a Chinese phosphate ore using H₃PO₄

Abstract Although phosphate rock has been considered as a potential new rare earth elements (REEs) resource, the recovery of REEs from is impeded by technical challenges and cost issues. This study investigated effects operation conditions on leaching efficiencies phosphorus Zhijin ore, large deposit in China. The process overtime was also studied chemical analysis, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD). results indicated that ore were mainly present fluorapatite dolomite, had similar trends efficiency to those magnesium. Under 25 wt% phosphoric acid concentration initial pulp, weight ratio liquid solid 12 mL/g, temperature 60°C, an agitation speed 220 rpm, time 120 min, 97.8% 99.7% obtained. Most parts dissoluble substances decomposed within 30 min. Chemical SEM-EDS, XRD minerals increased following order: quartz, aluminosilicate, pyrite, fluorapatite, calcite.