Integrated Processing Technology for Eudialyte Concentrate

The authors developed a resource-saving and energy-efficient technology for integrated processing of eudialyte concentrate. It is found that the main losses of valuable components (Zr and REE) are associated with leaching cake. The effective methods and modes of processing of pregnant solution are determined to ensure high recovery of Zr and REE owing to conversion of silica gel and thanks to successive extraction of zirconium phosphate and rare earth carbonates from pregnant solution. The proposed complimentary methods of regeneration of reagents and shutting off of water circuits ensure recovery of zirconium and rare earths from eudialyte concentrate. The developed technology provides additional marketable products (sodium metasilicate and ammonium nitrate), as well as economic expediency and improved ecological safety of eudialyte concentrate processing due to regeneration of calcium carbonate.