Future challenges in hydrometallurgy for critical metal recovery and recycling RadioChemistry and Processes Department CEA Marcoule

Abstract : The demand for certain critical metals including rare-earths has recently increased, in relation to the development of new energy and communication technologies. Various initiatives such as recycling and prospection of new resources have been launched to reduce the European dependence on foreign suppliers. Hydrometallurgy is essential for the valorization of these poly-metallic resources in which the critical elements are often in low concentrations among numerous impurities. Innovative and environmental-friendly processes have to be developed to recover these elements, which require extensive RetD from basic research to technological developments.The CEA has gained a world-class expertise in the field of separation processes by hydrometallurgy. Several solvent extraction processes have been developed and industrially implemented for the nuclear fuel cycle. More recently, CEA developed processes to support the recycling of critical materials for energy technologies (Li-ion batteries, fuel-cells). In this framework, the RECAPE project aims to develop an efficient recovery process of heavy rare-earth elements by hydrometallurgy from used permanent magnets. Experimental and modeling results will be presented in this paper. More generally, CEA aims to enhance the coordination and integration of the European community in the field of RetD on critical materials recovery and recycling. This strategy will include both the creation of a European Institute of Hydrometallurgy to allow the industrial qualification of separation processes and the launching of a European research network to support innovation in the field of critical metals.