China has introduced innovative technology to significantly improve the production efficiency of rare earth elements, achieving what has been described as an “unprecedented” level of recovery. According to a study published by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) cited by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), this innovative method based on electric fields succeeded in recovering 95 percent of rare earths, while reducing mining time. It is said that the time has been reduced by 70 hours. percent and reduce power usage by 60 percent.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and the International Energy Agency, China is the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements (REEs), accounting for about 70% of global production and 90% of global processing.
Rare earth minerals are essential for making electronics, smartphone vehicles and weapons, but production is limited due to the “dismal” environmental record associated with mining. However, the study claims that the new technology reduced ammonia emissions by 95 percent compared to traditional methods.
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What is the new mining technology?
This new technique uses electric fields to separate rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are often dispersed in ores at low concentrations, making extraction costly and environmentally taxing.
“A rigorous environmental risk assessment revealed a 95 percent reduction in ammonia emissions, significantly reducing the environmental footprint,” the researchers wrote.
The method has the potential to set a new standard in the industry, particularly in China, which accounts for most of the world’s rare earth production, by shortening mining times and reducing both energy consumption and emissions.
“Using EKM technology, the recovery efficiency of REE reached 95.5% within 60 days, whereas conventional leaching could only recover (approximately) 15% within 60 days,” the researchers added.
The Chinese government may be able to leverage its position in the REE industry and the success of new methods, as Donald Trump plans to resume the trade war with China after taking office as president on January 20. .
Furthermore, by mitigating some of the environmental impacts of rare earth mining, China could reduce international criticism of its environmental practices in this area.
