Leaching characteristics of Sc-enriched, Fe-depleted acidic slags

Scandium is currently classified as a critical raw material for the European Union, and several research projects focus on the search for new sources to supply to its expected increasing demand. The Kiviniemi mafic intrusion in Finland is a potential primary source for Sc; at Kiviniemi, Sc occurs mainly within the lattices of ferrous silicates, clinopyroxene and amphibole. Some of the main challenges in leaching of Kiviniemi-type feed material are related to either the complexity of Fe and Ti separation from Sc-containing solutions or a possible gelation problem when leaching a material with a high SiO2 content. According to preliminary beneficiation tests, direct acid leaching of the Kivin…