Assessment of 'Bacterial (Acidic)-Leaching' of Rare Earth Elements from a Phosphate Ore

Abstract

Bioleaching methods are environmentally benign and economical options for extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from low grade REE ores. We conducted shake-flask and column bio-leaching (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) studies with a low grade phosphate ore constituting REEs, fluorapatite, and silicates. In shake-flask studies, the leaching rate relied mostly on the bacterial activity - acid producing ability of the bacteria;