JOURNAL ARTICLE

Advancing the circular economy: green recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal combustion fly ash using biohydrometallurgical techniques with mixotrophic bacteria.

  • Published In: Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy, 2025, v. 134, n. 1. P. 52 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Chaerun, Siti Khodijah; Winarko, Ronny; Chaerun, Raudhatul Islam; Mufakhir, Fika Rofiek; Lumbantobing, Sarinah Tiodora; Rus, Aisyah Minzikrina Masbar; Ichlas, Zela Tanlega; Minwal, Wahyudin Prawira; Masruri, Muhammad Hafid; Santoso, Imam; Astuti, Widi 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the sustainable extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal fly ash (CFA) generated by a power plant in Indonesia, using biohydrometallurgical methods with six mixotrophic bacterial strains. The CFA, primarily composed of quartz (SiO2) and mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2), contains significant concentrations of REEs such as cerium (Ce), yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), scandium (Sc), and praseodymium (Pr). The study demonstrates that these bacteria, capable of oxidising iron and sulphur and producing biosurfactants, effectively bioleach REEs, particularly heavy REEs like terbium (Tb), achieving extraction rates up to 70%. This bioleaching approach offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical extraction, supporting circular economy principles by recovering valuable metals from industrial waste.

Additional Information

  • Source:Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy. 2025/03, Vol. 134, Issue 1, p52
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2572-6641
  • DOI:10.1177/25726641251316396
  • Accession Number:183969102
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