Viable Scandium Extraction from Bauxite Residue at Pilot Scale

Abstract

Scandium extraction from the Greek bauxite residue has been demonstrated at an industrial pilot plant at MYTILINEOS. This work comes as the result of the H2020 SCALE collaborative research project. By combining sulfuric acid leaching and II-VI Selective-Ion Recovery (SIR) technology, a 22 wt% Sc concentrate has been produced from the Greek Bauxite Residue that contains 70–100 mg/kg Sc. As detailed in this work, the year-long pilot campaign achieved low acid consumption, high Sc selectivity over Fe and Ti and high Sc-loading capacity of the SIR resin, setting the basis for a viable Sc extraction technology from bauxite residue. Furthermore, the neutralized bauxite residue from the leaching process can be used in cement production, enhancing the sustainability of the operation.