Extraction of rare earths from iron-rich rare earth deposits

The rare earths are listed amongst the strategic metals by the United Nations because of their properties and increasing usage (Long et al., 2010).Among many possible applications, rare earths are used to sustain today's lifestyle through the manufacture of magnets, catalysts, weaponry, production of green electricity, etc.Current global production is about 130 kt/a of rare earth oxides (REO), with about 90% of * Mintek, Randburg, South Africa.