Economic Optimizations of Phosphoric Acid Byproduct Rare Earth Element Recovery

This research seeks to develop and optimize technology for the recovery of rare earth elements from waste streams originating from phosphoric acid production processes. While the technical viability of such recovery processes has previously been examined, implementation has hinged on the economic viability. The integration of these considerations – a technoeconomic analysis – results in optimized operating conditions and suggests directions for future process design. This analysis ultimately highlights the need for a combination of higher rare earth element prices or development of more efficient technology as prerequisites for the economic viability of such processes.