Determining the possibility of using the Polish aggregates for recovery of rare earth elements

The high and constantly growing interest in Rare Earth Elements (REE) results from their desirable properties that are required in the state-ofthe- art technologies. These elements are widely distributed in nature but most often found in low concentrations. Poland's resources are limited to a few poor deposits. KOMAG has started research projects aimed at extending the knowledge about the content of REE in Polish raw materials. Five Polish natural aggregates were selected for testing. The method of mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS) were used for analyses. Content of REE in the tested materials was found to be in the range of 190.0-14.8 ppm. Basalt aggregate marked with number 1 and halloysite had the highest content, and the lowest content was in the granite aggregate and sand marked with number 2. Then, the grain class 0.045-0 mm was separated to determine REE content in fine grains of materials. The test results indicate different proportions between light and heavy REE in the samples of the tested materials