The separation and determination of rare earths in phosphate deposits from the north of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The use of an ion and cation exchange for the separation of rare earth elements from phosphate rocks were investigated. The cation exchange method was found to be most suitable. Rare earth elements separated in this way were analysed by atomic emission using an inductively coupled plasma. Compromise optimum conditions were found and the combined procedure used for thirty nine phosphate rock samples from Saudi Arabia.. The results obtained were confirmed by internal checks on some samples using standard addition. In general, the recovery of individual rare earth elements is high but these vary from sample to sample depending on the sample composition.The use of an ion and cation exchange for the separation of rare earth elements from phosphate rocks were investigated. The cation exchange method was found to be most suitable. Rare earth elements separated in this way were analysed by atomic emission using an inductively coupled plasma. Compromise optimum conditions were found and the combined procedure used for thirty nine phosphate rock samples from Saudi Arabia.. The results obtained were confirmed by internal checks on some samples using standard addition. In general, the recovery of individual rare earth elements is high but these vary from sample to sample depending on the sample composition