Recovery of Rare Earths from Wet-Process Phosphoric Acid, the Solvay Experience

Solvay has been involved for more than 50 years in Rare Earths production. In the 80's, when Solvay also operated phosphates plants, the company conducted a very wide Research and Development program in the recovery of Uranium and Rare Earths from phosphoric acid. This program led to the development of several processes of solvent extraction from laboratory to pilot scale. Solvay has now the capability of designing and producing specific molecules for solvent extraction application based on the chemistry of phosphine and amines. The combination of both skills is key for addressing the new challenges of Wet-Process Phosphoric Acid process.