Phoenix Tailings, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 24b

Description

Phoenix Tailings has invented a low energy production process to reduce rare earth oxides to rare earth metals using a mixed halide molten salt. This process forms part of Phoenix’s portfolio of reduction techniques that gives it the ability to produce several different metals from oxides in a significantly more energy-efficient manner. This reduction in energy consumption and subsequent reduction in operating costs, combined with metals portfolios, increases the systems’ economic margins. As such, it is more economically resilient to fluctuations in market prices caused by the Chinese government. This will allow Phoenix to add to the current DOE progress in the recovery of rare earth oxides from coal fly ash, and complete the domestic supply chain by producing rare earth metals. Phase 1 represents the initial characterization of a mixed halide molten salt to determine the base parameters, including the optimal composition of the salt. It will then characterize a mixed oxyhalide molten salt to narrow down those parameters. It will then conclude with the production of a 100 g sample of neodymium metal, from oxides, in a lab environment. This will allow Phoenix to produce an initial techno-economic analysis on the production of rare earth metals.