Identification and quantification of rare earth elements in Kamafugite ore processed through hydrometallurgical methods

Rare earth elements (REEs) are used to produce several materials in modern industry. Kamafugite ore, found in the central region of Minas Gerais state (Brazil), has REEs at levels of up to 2400 ppm, but they need to be extracted and concentrated by complex processing sequences. The combined use of Neutron Diffraction (ND), neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy (NRCA and NRTI) available on INES and neutron activation analysis (NAA) with irradiation on INES and deactivation measurements with the HPGe detector available on CHIPIR, will make it possible to identify and quantify the REEs in the different fractions of the hydrometallurgical products of Kamafugite (magnetic fraction, non-magnetic fraction and leachate), with the mapping serving as a basis for improving the hydrometallurgical leaching routes under development.