Researchers produce nearly-pure rare earth concentrates from coal

Re:Researchers produce nearly-pure rare earth concentrates f... by John_KZ on Monday March 12, 2018 @11:19AM (#16568695)

Also fly ash is a pain in the ass to get rid off. I've heard about companies re-using it in concrete products and other construction materials. Even if the value produced is low, any profit is better than dealing with the cost of safely disposing it.

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Re:Researchers produce nearly-pure rare earth concentrates f... by Symbiote on Monday March 12, 2018 @01:21PM (#16569671)

Making cheap bricks with waste ash has been common for decades.

Most British houses have two layers of brick, the nice ones on the outside, and these ones on the inside, which will be covered. An air (or fibreglass) gap between them provides insulation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavity_wall

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Re:Researchers produce nearly-pure rare earth concentrates f... by Erlangolem on Monday March 12, 2018 @11:43AM (#16568882)

Wouldn’t that make the resulting concrete unusually radioactive?

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Re:Researchers produce nearly-pure rare earth concentrates f... by John_KZ on Monday March 12, 2018 @01:26PM (#16569708)

No, the idea that fly-ash is highly radioactive is a faux created by the nuclear lobby. Some coal is more radioactive than other, but in general they're very safe from this perspective. The real problems are is it's corrosiveness, it's heavy metal content (if any), and the particle size.

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Re:Researchers produce nearly-pure rare earth concentrates f... by Erlangolem on Monday March 12, 2018 @02:52PM (#16570410)

I live and learn, thanks. The particle size I assume is an issue for pulmonary reasons? So sequestered in concrete that wouldn’t be an issue, smart.

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