The objective of this work is to develop and deploy a biological strategy for recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from recyclable materials that will complement existing chemical methods. Technology that includes REE bioleaching and/or bioadsorption enrichment or separation can be integrated into different steps in the existing industrial pipeline. A successful biotechnology will result in an efficient, environmentally friendly, low cost process that can be applied beneficially to recyclable material and/or ore that has low metal content and/or refractory material. The challenges and opportunities associated with microbial mediated REE recovery and the progress of our work will be discussed.Microorganisms have been reported to react with various metal ions including REE by leaching and adsorption. Microorganisms with these unique properties have been obtained from culture collections or environmental locations based on the desired microbial properties such as thermoacidophilic growth, REE tolerance, and acid production. First, soil and water samples were obtained from acid mine drainage (Iron Mountain), acidic hot springs (Norris Geyser Basin), REE ores (RER Bull Hill mine) and phosphate mine sediments (Monsanto Blackfoot Bridge). Second, microbes were enriched for either sulfur-oxidation at low pH or for phosphate solubilization capacity. Third, isolated candidates were subjected to REE dissolution studies. Ongoing investigations are evaluating the capacity for acid production, optimization of acid production, and capacity for REE dissolution from recyclable feedstocks such as retorted phosphor powders, regenerated cracking catalyst, electronic scrap and/or phosphate mine tailings. Future work will include feasibility studies for bioleaching of recycled material, development of bioadsorption capacity, continuous bioprocessing for REE recovery.

Microbial mediated recovery of recycled REE

248th National Meeting (2014)

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