Patent ID: 10865463

Abstract:
A method for separating a light rare earth element and a heavy rare earth element includes at least the steps of: (1) obtaining, from a workpiece containing a light rare earth element and a heavy rare earth element, a composite oxide or mixture of oxides of the two; (2) dissolving the obtained composite oxide or mixture of oxides in hydrochloric acid and/or nitric acid; (3) adding a precipitant to the obtained solution to give a precipitate; (4) calcining the obtained precipitate; (5) adding the obtained calcine in an amount of 1.1 times to 3.0 times the upper solubility limit to hydrochloric acid and/or nitric acid having a concentration of 0.7 mol/L or more to give a solution and a residue; and (6) separating the obtained solution and residue, thereby giving the solution as a light rare earth element-rich inclusion and the residue as a heavy rare earth element-rich inclusion.