MULTI-DISCIPLINARY, MULTI-NODE DISCOVERY: RARE EARTH ELEMENTS

World first chemistry and biopolymer solutions are solving a Rare Earth Elements (REE) separation problem

In 2022 COEMinerals began applying research fundamentals and findings from its ‘Thermodynamic Guidance of RAFT polymerisation to control hydrophobicity at mineral surfaces’ project (Project 42) specifically to REE to solve a so-far intractable problem.

Project 42 research combines scientific discovery with industry application. The Centre works in close collaboration with industry project partner/s and involves multiple Centre nodes. It is truly multidisciplinary, tapping into the skills and experience of the Centre’s team including mineralogy, molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry, biochemistry, bio-engineering, interfacial characterisation and theoretical modelling techniques. The project team is spread across UON, UniSA, UoA and Monash nodes.

generators and in the motors that power electric vehicles 5), along with applications in medical and high-tech devices (like mobile phones). Their use offers a path to achieve a lower carbon future.

Some fast facts showcasing demand:

ƒ Global demand for REE doubled in the 15 years to 2021, reaching 125,000 tonnes per year 6 .

ƒ Global consumption reached 164,000 tonnes of total rare earth oxide (TREO) in 2022 7

ƒ REE demand is forecast to reach 315,000 tonnes per year by 2030 8

ƒ The energy sector’s overall needs for critical minerals could increase by as much as six times by 2040 9

If predictions are correct, REE supply may not meet future demand.

Solving the separation problem

earth mineral (REM) content.

The interaction of the mineral surfaces with the COEMinerals derived RAFT polymers and biopolymers is being investigated as a way to selectively recover REM. The goal is to identify how best to achieve the first stage extraction. These steps will be guided by thermodynamics, through Density Functional Theory simulations. The new techniques are currently being lab-tested and represent a ground-breaking approach towards unlocking new beneficiation processes for REM separation. If no solution can be found, then there will be no development of the resource.

Project 42 draws on the skills of a multi-discipline, multi-node scientific research team, leveraging experience in:

ƒ Beneficiation technology commencing with fine grinding, utilising precise desliming techniques, flotation techniques, and magnetic separation

Uon

UniSA

Next steps

ƒ Conducts computational chemistry modelling to help determine what functional group of polymers will specifically attach/bind to the surfaces of the REM. They help predict activity and interfacial structure of new RAFT polymers and biopolymers, which will be grafted to mineral surfaces in later stages of the research

ƒ The computer simulations are constantly updated based on latest test results, helping to inform the ongoing synthetic development of new polymers and experimental investigations

ƒ Advanced methods of desliming with hydrodynamic fractionation deliver the clean components needed to firstly determine the location and concentration of the rare earth minerals. This phase is coupled with grinding to promote liberation

In parallel, these Centre members are drawing on their knowledge of physical and chemical processes of mineral surfaces and interfaces to also explore the potential for using magnetic separation to extract rare earth minerals.

In 2023, UON and UniSA node teams will extend testing to explore the potential of using the Graviton to achieve desliming, agglomeration, and the REFLUX™ Flotation Cell (RFC) in combination with magnetic separation in industrial-lab test environments to maximise the recovery and grade of the rare earth minerals.

The world urgently

needs

a more effective and efficient way to recover REE

Rare earths predominantly comprise 15 elements of the lanthanides series 4 in the periodic table, and their efficient and effective separation during minerals processing is an unsolved global problem.

REE are fundamental to the development of ‘clean-energy’ as an essential component of the permanent magnets (as used in wind turbine

The primary challenge is to recover a high proportion of the high-value minerals that comprise a relatively small portion of the total ore body. At this point in time, there is no clear way to proceed with this first and crucial stage of beneficiation. Several other groups around the world have examined the problem and not succeeded.

COEMinerals is taking an entirely new approach, firstly grinding to liberate and then hydrodynamically fractionating the ore into multiple and very clean, fractions. These will be investigated for their rare

4. https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/minerals/mineral-resources-and-advice/australian-resource-reviews/rare-earth-elements

5. https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Technical-Papers/IRENA_Rare_Earth_Elements_2022.pdf

6. https://www.australianresourcesandinvestment.com.au/2022/05/03/rare-earths-australias-next-big-players/

ƒ Computational modelling

ƒ RAFT polymer and biopolymer development, and

ƒ Mineral surface characterisation techniques

As aptly described by Prof Alister Page, UON:

“We’re like The Beatles; better together” .

ƒ This preparation is essential for investigating the suite of chemicals informed by the computational chemistry

ƒ The component samples are shared across the team

Monash and UoA

The COEMinerals bio-chemistry team, working across two nodes, is informed by the computer modelling and mineral separation results to drive the molecular design of new RAFT and peptide and protein molecules.

7. https://www.arultd.com/products/supply-and-demand.html

8. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/7/11/203

9. https://www.iea.org/news/clean-energy-demand-for-critical-minerals-set-to-soar-as-the-world-pursues-net-zero-goals