Rare Element Resources
Bear Lodge Project
Canadian NI 43-101
Technical
Report
October 9
th
, 2014
10135-200-46 - Rev. 0
17-20
40%. The rare earths recovered by recovery and recycling of oxalic acid are included
in precipitation efficiency values shown in Table 17.2.
The oxalic acid centrifuge liquid is sent to the neutralization reactors (350-REA-001,
2) and combined with a calcium carbonate slurry plus quicklime to neutralize any
remaining acid and subsequently precipitate metal carbonates and hydroxides. The
metal carbonates are filtered on two parallel belt filters (350-BLF-002A/B). The filtrate
is partially evaporated (350-SCD-001) to produce calcium chloride hydrates, a
potential byproduct. The metal carbonates are sent to the tailings disposal conveyor
(250-CVO-001).
CaCO3 produces metal carbonates (CO3), quicklime produces small mass of metal
hydroxides (OH). Quicklime precipitates metals that otherwise would not be
precipitated at the maximum pH achievable with limerock.
Metal Carbonate Precipitation Chemistry
17.5.1
Metal Carbonate Precipitation
17.5.1.1
2*FeCl
3
+ 3*CaCO
3
+XH
2
O →Fe
2
(CO
3
)
3
+ 3*CaCl
2
.XH
2
O
Reaction Extent: 100%
All other metal chlorides will also follow similar chemistry.
17.6 Process Description Unit 400 – Utilities
Plant Water Supply Facilities
17.6.1
PUG Plant Raw/Fire Water
A Raw/Fire water tank of 135,670 gallons (513.6 m
3
) will be installed at the PUG
to supply raw water to the process and water to the fire protection system. The
raw water will also be used for flocculant preparation, gland seal water pump and
for truck wash, dust control, and auxiliaries. The water supply will be provided by
raw water well.
A minimum level will be maintained in the Raw/Fire water tank to provide
sufficient fire water protection.
