Optimising the REE-Zr-Nb potential of eudialyte and its alteration products in the Ilímaussaq complex, South Greenland

Anouk Margaretha Borst, Henrik Friis Mortensen, Adrian Anthony Finch

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REE) are critical to the development of a sustainable hi-tech economy [1].Eudialyte-bearing nepheline syenites provide promising alternatives to currently mined REE deposits in China, and techniques for their economic and environmental friendly exploitation are being developed. Europe hosts substantial eudialyte deposits within three rift-related peralkaline complexes, i.e. Ilímaussaq (Greenland), Lovozero (Russia), and Norra Kärr (Sweden) [2,3]. Despite being relatively low grade (c. 2 wt% TREO) compared to conventionally exploited REE phases, eudialyte is attractive for exploitation because of its (1) associated enrichment in other critical metals e.g. Zr, Nb and Ta; (2) high proportions of heavy relative to light REE (up to 1:1), (3) low U and Th contents, and (4) easy magnetic separation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages18
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 19 Dec 2016
EventMineral deposit study group : Annual winter meeting - University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
Duration: 19 Dec 201621 Dec 2016
Conference number: 40th
http://www.mdsgbristol.org/index.html

Conference

ConferenceMineral deposit study group
Abbreviated titleMDSG 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBristol
Period19/12/1621/12/16
Internet address

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