Techniques for Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Coal Fly Ash: A Comparative Analysis

Muhammad Faiz Shafiyurrahman, Shofa Rijalul Haq, Edy Nursanto, Muhammad Syukron

Abstract


Rare Earth Elements (REE) are essential for high-tech and renewable energy applications; however, extracting these elements from primary sources presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, offers a viable alternative as a secondary source for REE recovery due to its abundance and REE content. This approach also supports coal downstreaming efforts. This study evaluates physical, chemical, and biological techniques for recovering REE from CFA, focusing on efficiency, cost, and environmental sustainability. Physical methods such as particle sizing and magnetic separation effectively concentrate REE as a preparatory step, enhancing the efficiency of subsequent chemical processes. Chemical techniques, particularly acid and alkaline leaching, achieve recovery rates exceeding 90%, though they require careful waste management to mitigate environmental impacts. Meanwhile, biological methods like bioleaching and biosorption provide a more sustainable alternative with minimal waste, albeit with lower recovery efficiencies. An integrated approach combining these techniques demonstrates significant potential to optimize REE recovery while reducing costs and environmental risks, aligning with circular economy principles.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31315/mtj.v2i1.13924

DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.31315/mtj.v2i2.13924.g6939

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