Explanation of the purification of Neodymium from Bastnäesite mineral

[christobelchen]

Hi all

I'm researching how light rare earth elements - specifically neodymium - is processed. If anyone can help explain to me how the purification process works (if you use really complex terms could you please just give a brief definition) as well as providing chemical equations, I would really appreciate it. And if not, if you know some good links or articles that do explain it, please let me know of them as well.

 

Thanks

[CaptainPanic]

According to wikipedia:

 

Currently, most neodymium is extracted from bastnäsite, (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)CO3F, and purified by solvent extraction.

 

Is that what you asked for?

I believe the extraction is done with acids (sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid). Essentially it is just dissolved out of the ore.

[christobelchen]

According to wikipedia:

 

 

Is that what you asked for?

I believe the extraction is done with acids (sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid). Essentially it is just dissolved out of the ore.

I'm specifically looking for the chemical equations behind the process, but thanks Captain.