Separation of Nd from mixed chloride solutions with Pr by extraction with saponified PC 88A and scrubbing

•Nd was recovered from the mixed solution with Pr by extraction and scrubbing.•Both Nd and Pr were extracted from chloride solution by saponified PC 88A.•Quantitate scrubbing of Pr was obtained with pure Nd scrub solution.•The scrubbed solution was recycled to the upstream stage of the process.•The Nd recovery was achieved above >99%.

Solvent extraction of Pr and Nd from chloride solution was carried out using PC 88A for the recovery of magnetic grade Nd. The presence of complexing reagents (H2O2 and citric acid) affected little the selective extraction of Nd over Pr. The observed maximum separation factor between Pr and Nd was 1.5, indicating that the separation of Nd and Pr by selective extraction was difficult. Co-extraction of two metals with PC 88A followed by selective scrubbing was tried. Batch simulation of counter-current showed that the complete recovery of Nd was possible and a process flow sheet has been presented.