Impacts of Ion Adsorption Type Rare Earth Mining Techniques on Topsoil in Mining Area

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REE) are essential components in various modern technologies. Mining activities, in contrast, severely destabilize the adjacent ecological systems. The soil transformation environmental issue in mining areas is inextricably linked to process techniques. Inconsistencies in harm and serviceability arise from different mining techniques. This study was conducted in Fujian, China, which has abundance of ion adsorption type rare earth resources (IAT-Res). We investigated the soil interaction effects of two mining techniques (heap leaching and in-situ leaching). After eight years of restoration, soil destruction and nutrient imbalance remain significant in the heap leaching mining regions. The effects of heap leaching are distinct, whereas pollution caused by in-situ leaching is hidden. Although the in-situ leaching technique resulted in less soil erosion, its potential environmental risk cannot be ignored. The greater number of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 leachate residues left over after in-situ leaching contaminate the surrounding ecosystem as they are easily translocated. Through this study, we demonstrate the ecological impacts of different mining techniques in mining areas. As a result, to obtain accurate protection and contaminant control management. However, additional interests should address the leachate and REE pollution caused by in-situ leaching in a larger region.