ENRICHMENT OF RARE EARTH OXIDE WITH SMELTING REDUCTION PROCESS

摘要

Disclosed is a method for concentrating rare earth oxides through smelting reduction. The method for concentrating rare earth oxides through smelting reduction includes the steps of: preparing rare earth ores; treating the rare earth ores through the smelting reduction; separating smelting reduction-treated pig iron; and separating slag where rare earth elements are concentrated through the separation of the pig iron. Desirably, the rare earth ores contain a large quantity of iron (Fe). Further, the smelting reduction is conducted according to an equation of reaction: iron oxide + carbon→iron (Fe) + CO and an equation of reaction: iron oxide + CO→iron (Fe) + CO². The smelting reduction is desirably conducted in a reducing atmosphere. Furthermore, upon the smelting reduction, cokes or flux may be further added as a carbonaceous reducer. Desirably, the cokes are added by 1.5 times with respect to a theoretical value needed for iron reduction in the ores, and the flux is added to a quantity of 30% or less with respect to the ores.