Method to Separate Heavy Rare Earth Elements from Kaolin Mining Waste

TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Georgia State University researchers invented a cost-competitive efficient method of separating mineable concentrations of heavy rare earth elements from waste generated when mining kaolin deposits in Georgia (GA) and elsewhere. Kaolin is a clay deposit mined to the order of over 7 million tons per year domestically (a $1B industry).

AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS

Primary Application Area: Materials, Chemical

Technology Development Status: Proven Manufacturability

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab

Website: https://research.gsu.edu/georgia-state-technology-transfer/

National Innovation Awardee

MARKET KEYWORDS

Market Keywords: rare earth elements; mining; geology