The rigours of rare earths

• Autores: James Sean Dickson
• Localización: Industrial Minerals, ISSN 0019-8544, Nº. 577, 2015 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Noviembre)
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Chemical methods of separation are also difficult, as the similar ion size and the electron properties of rare earths that typically make up the 2+ ion form most favoured, result in behaviourally similar chemical species, with europium a notable exception for its ease of transitioning to the 3+ state. The similarities of rare earths that cause separation difficulties also ensure that the elements are found collectively in deposits - magmatic fractionation and related processes do not strongly segregate rare earths, being subject to the same chemical principles - though in mineralogy and genesis-dependent proportions.

    Toward the end of the 2000s, China began to plan and implement a policy of consolidation, whereby small regional rare earths companies are being merged into larger operators. It is hoped that this will reduce the environmentally damaging effects of rare earths production in China, simplify regulation of the sector and conserve resources. By the end of the consolidation drive, the only companies permitted to mine rare earths in China, including via their subsidiaries, will be: China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co. Ltd (formerly Baotou Steel Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co. Ltd); China Minmetals Corp.; Aluminum Corp. of China (Chalco, via its subsidiary China Rare Earth Holdings); Ganzhou Qiandong Rare Earth Group; Guangdong Rising Nonferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd; and Xiamen