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What is the difference between both technologies?
Opto-magnetically-induced sorting is a sensor-based sorting technology that uses optical sensors and other sensing techniques (e.g., XRT) for the characterisation of materials, and then extracts target particles based on selective magnetisation. It normally processes materials in the size range of 0.5 – 10 mm.
By comparison, magnetic density separation (MDS) is based on the created mass/density gradient in a tank of ferrofluids due to the employed magnetic field. Because of the mass gradient in the ferrofluids, different materials are separated according to their densities. MDS normally processes materials with particle sizes below 3 cm.
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Any progress or key outcomes that can be highlighted so far?
Significant progress has been made so far, with several key outcomes worth highlighting. The opto-magnetically-induced sorting system has been fully automated and integrated, bringing together essential components such as sensor characterisation, selective surface modification, and the targeted extraction of particles. This system has been successfully developed and validated at laboratory scale, demonstrating high selectivity by effectively separating dark-red particles rich in rare earth elements (REE) from less valuable light-red particles. High sorting efficiency was achieved using real crushed rauhaugite and brecciated carbonite samples. The upscaling of the system to a pilot-scale facility is currently in progress, and a patent has been filed based on the technical developments.
In parallel, the MDS technology is undergoing testing with deal rodbergite samples. According to the REEM report, the technology has been confirmed as feasible for the SUPREEMO project. To support automation, an extraction belt and washing have been introduced to streamline the separation process.
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What are the key goals behind these technologies
The key goals behind the development of these technologies are to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of rare earth element separation from complex ores, ensuring more precise and effective extraction processes. Another central objective is to develop scalable, low-waste, high-throughput sorting methods that can be applied during early-stage ore beneficiation, improving the overall sustainability and productivity of raw material processing. These efforts are also aligned with the broader aim of supporting the EU’s sustainable supply chain for REEs through more effective raw material upgrading.
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Why were these objectives chosen, and what impact do you expect from them?
These objectives were chosen because traditional separation methods are often inefficient or too broad for the selective concentration of REEs from mixed minerals, such as those found in carbonatite ores. REEs are typically dispersed in complex geological matrices, requiring precision separation at early stages. Additionally, the European Union aims to achieve strategic autonomy in critical raw materials like REEs, making efficient, selective, and scalable sorting technologies a priority.
The expected impact of these objectives includes a reduction in downstream processing costs and energy consumption through early-stage upgrading of feed material. They also aim to increase the recovery and purity of REE-rich fractions, which is essential for efficient refining and magnet production. Furthermore, these developments are expected to position Europe as a technological leader in sensor-based and magnetically enhanced separation processes, ultimately strengthening EU competitiveness in green technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.
