Rare Earth Elements: A Review of Production, Processing ...

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Rare Earth Elements Review Section 2 – Introduction to Rare Earth Elements Figure 2-4. Global production of rare earth oxides (Du and Graedel, 2011). Annual global production of REEs totaled about 124,000 tons in 2008, according to a recent report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (Humphries, 2010). According to this same report, analysis of the future supply and demand for each of the REEs indicates that, by 2014, global demand could exceed 200,000 tons per year, which would exceed current production by over 75,000 tons per year. Additional analysis by others indicates the high likelihood of shortages of neodymium, dysprosium, terbium, and praseodymium and the potential for shortages of lanthanum, yttrium, and, europium by 2014 (Schuler et al., 2011). This information, combined with the data shown in Figure 2-3, indicates that the uses most likely to be impacted by future shortages are magnets for use in computers, audio systems, wind turbines, and automobiles; motors/generators; batteries; metallurgy; and catalysts. The critical nature of these uses is driving the push for increased mining, expanded recycling and research into alternatives, and changes in U.S. and international policy. In 2008, the United States consumed 7,410 metric tons of REEs (U.S. DOI/USGS, 2010). Currently, this demand is met mainly through imports from China, industry inventories, and stockpiles. However, as early as 2012, U.S. production may be resumed at the Mountain Pass Mine, which is projecting production of 18,000 tons in 2012 and up to 40,000 tons per year in following years. The status and critical issues facing this mine, as well as other potential U.S. mines, are presented in Table 2-4. It is reported that if the new mines under development are able to meet their projected production levels, world-wide demand for REEs will be met from these new sources (Long, 2011). 2-8
Rare Earth Elements Review Section 2 – Introduction to Rare Earth Elements Factor Table 2-4. Current Activities at Selected, Potential U.S. REE Mines Mountain Pass (California), RCF, Goldman Sachs, and Traxys Status Recommissioned separation plant. Feasibility study of recommencing mining and processing under way. Resources 20 Mt @ 9.2% rare earth oxides (REO); 1.8 Mt REO contained (a proven reserve). Bear Lodge (Wyoming), Rare Element Resources Ltd. Resource engineering study under way. Process development commenced. 9 Mt @ 4.1% REO 0.4 Mt REO (inferred). Pea Ridge (Missouri), Upland Wings/Wings Enterprises and Glencore International Commercial and technical studies ongoing. Property ownership has changed to Pea Ridge Resources, Inc.. 4 Mt iron ore; $3 billion of REE; small HREE deposit, but potentially higher concentrations than in any deposit worldwide. Round Top Mountain Project (Texas), Texas Rare Earth Company Exploration—potential open pit mine. 82,000 feet of drill core available for evaluation. Preparing for aeromagnetic survey and additional drilling. 67% of REOs are HREEs. Potential Target: 18,000 tons Unknown. Output of REE from Information not Production per year REO; tailing unknown; available. start-up in 2012. underground mine production unknown. Critical � New owners. � Define “ore reserve.” � Define “ore reserve.” � Information not Issues � Completing � Develop process. � Develop process. available. Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). � Restarting an “old” plant. � Complete DFS. � Approvals. � Customer support. � Complete DFS. � Approvals. � Customer support. Sources: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=236277&p=irol-news&nyo=0; http://www.rareelementresources.com/s/Home.asp; http://www.wingsironore.com/; http://texasrareearth.com/; http://pearidgeresources.com/ 2-9
Page 1 and 2: Rare Earth Elements Review Table of
Page 3 and 4: Foreword The U.S. Environmental Pro
Page 5 and 6: Abstract Rare earth elements (REEs)
Page 7 and 8: Table of Contents List of Acronyms
Page 9 and 10: List of Tables 2-1. Abundance of El
Page 11 and 12: Rare Earth Elements Review List of
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