Russian mining companies have launched a unique technology for producing samarium from loparite concentrate. This breakthrough makes it possible to provide domestic industry with strategically important rare earth resources. metal.
The new technique was developed by specialists from the Solikamsk Magnesium Plant, Rosatom Nedra and Rusredmet. Loparite concentrate for production is supplied by the Lovozero Mining and Processing Plant. A special feature of the technology is the highest degree of purification of the final product. Independent testing has confirmed samarium’s purity to be 99.8%, which exceeds industry standards.
Samarium plays a key role in modern high-tech industries. The metal is used in nuclear energy to control nuclear reactions, produce powerful permanent magnets and special alloys. Its unique properties are in demand when creating thermoelectric converters and catalysts for oil refining.
Loparite concentrate also contains other valuable elements – gadolinium, europium, terbium, dysprosium. Russian enterprises are already working to create technologies for their extraction. Previously, the same scientific alliance developed methods for producing cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and praseodymium. The organization of their production is planned at the facilities of the Solikamsk magnesium plant.
The development of samarium production strengthens Russia’s raw materials independence in the field of rare earth metals. The development of these technologies opens up new prospects for the domestic electronics, energy and defense industries.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @CarierNews
