Nd-Dy incorporation in zircon and pyrochlore: implications for melt/crystal REE partitioning and REE extraction strategies

This project aims at obtaining a detailed information on the local structure of Nd and Dy in Zircon (ZrSiO4) and Pyrochlore ((Ce,Ca,Y)2(Nb,Ta)2O6(OH,F)). Due to similar geochemical behaviour of REEs, it is notoriously difficult to separate them. Detailed structural informationon the local environment of Dy and Nd in crystalline phases like zircon and pyrochlore and in silicate melts can help in obtaining deeper insight on the mechanisms affecting REE partition coefficients between melts and crystalline phases growing in the melts. This proposal is the first step for a larger project aiming at studying REE structural role in crystals and silicate glasses and REE partition coefficients between crystals and silicate melts. The structural results we will obtain from the proposed measurements can help to understand the mechanisms affecting REE partition coefficients between crystals and melts and, thus can help finding new routes for REE extraction from industrial and electronic wastes.