Rare Earth Elements
L3X-EMK
L3X-EMK is a revolutionary extractant line developed by L3 using L3's exclusive license for DGA-6 from ORNL.
It delivers exceptional selectivity for rare earths over all other metals under high-activity conditions, enabling more efficient, compact and cost-effective extraction of rare earth from primary leach solutions
Extraction
L3 designs and optimises extraction processes for rare earths from primary and secondary sources.
We have designed and piloted extraction flowsheets for most REE-bearing minerals including:
Monazite (Xenotime), Bastnaesite, Ancylite, eudialyte, allanite and britholite
Separation
L3 designs and optimizes REE separation circuits in all media for both light and HREE concentrates using our proprietary predictive solvent extraction module for METSIM and SYSCAD.
In addition to in-house piloting and demonstration, L3 has design, fabricated and delivered HREE separation demonstration modules to its clients.
Publications
L3 regularly publishes technical papers and presents at industry conferences on rare earth process development, extractant chemistry and flowsheet innovation.
Our publications share practical insights from laboratory, pilot and demonstration work.
L3X-EMK: A Revolution in REE Extraction
L3 has developed a new line of rare earth extractant based on a diglycolamide technology developed at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) to be used for primary extraction from pregnant leach solutions.
L3X-43K enables the extraction of REES from concentrated leach solution containing the full range of expected impurities the direct leaching of ores or concentrates would produce.
L3X-84K enables the economic recovery of scandium and REEs as a byproduct from primary leach solution from as low as 30 ppm.
The L3X-EMK line can be used in Karr columns or in mixer-settlers batteries with 4 to 6 extraction stages being usually required with 2 to 4 scrub stages and 2 to 4 strip stages.
Extraction is done directly from primary PLS, with no neutralization required.
Scrubbing is performed using a low activity, medium pH (2-4) magnesium solution.
Stripping is performed with a low activity salt solution.
Concentrated PLS
10-40 g/L TREE
50-150 g/L Other Elements
> 500 ppm Th + U
Distribution Ratios
Nd > 10
Dy > 500
Separation Factors
Fe > 10
Al > 1000
P > 500
Th > 50
Inquire for other elements.
Diluted PLS
10 ppm -1.0 g/L TREE
up to 50-150 g/L Other Elements
Distribution Ratios
Nd > 75
Dy > 1500
Separation Factors
Fe > 200
Al > 5000
Th > 50
Inquire for other elements.
Rare Earth Element Separation
L3 designs and optimizes REE separation circuits in all media for both light and HREE concentrates using our proprietary predictive solvent extraction module.
The software is built using equilibrium constants derived from bench scale experiments and is further calibrated after piloting and demonstration.
Bench Scale Extraction
Bench scale extraction test work allows L3 to derive equilibrium constant for specific extractants and initiate the design of the full separation circuit using our proprietary software.
A limited number of experiments (usually less than 8 per circuit) are required at this stage.
Nouveau paragraphe
Demonstration Plant
L3 designs and fabricates modular separation circuits for rare earth elements and other applications based on our predictive modeling tool.
In addition to solvent extraction modules, L3 can modularize other unit operations needed to operate a separation circuit such as:
- Leach Module
- Neutralization Module
- Precipitation Module
- Vacuum and Pressure Filtration Modules
The demonstration circuits can be operated at L3 using our trained staff and in-house analytical or can be delivered and installed at our client's facility.
Once installed at our client's facility, L3 supports its client through training and direct technical assistance to ensure the separation facility can be properly and successfully operated.