Rare earths or rare earth elements (REE) is a collective term for 15 metals of the periodic table, called lanthanides, and the metal yttrium.
These metals have very specific characteristics which makes it especially in the field of environmental technology indispensable. SEE find some use in catalytic converters, hybrid engines, energy-saving bulbs and wind turbines. In addition, they have become indispensable for many high-tech applications, from PC hard disks on flat screens to iPods. 95% of REE are mined in China.
In the course of exploration activities of the DDR of uranium in the mid 1970s, a rare earth deposits in the area Stork joke was discovered. The findings reported in a depth between 170-900 meters in an interesting concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) out, especially lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium Praeodymium (the so-called Light SEE). The deposit also contains more than the average yttrium, Y2O3 total of 450 tons. Addition of niobium, also a rare and expensive high-tech metal.
Therefore, the search until well into the 80s has continued. While 49 wells were drilled, the rare earth elements values provided up to 3.55%.
The drag was on Sep 13, 2007 by Saxon Mining Authority awarded a large Aufsuchungsfeld Delitzsch in the North West corner of Saxony, where several deposits and occurrences are located, including Stork joke. After evaluation and recalculation of some of the extensive data, independent laboratory tests in 5 laboratories and preparation of a preliminary 3D model of the deposit is estimated to DRAG the available resources at 41 600 tonnes SEE (See2O3) and 8,700 metric tons of niobium (Nb2O5). The deposit at depth may be even greater.
Currently underway to determine in what way a reduction of the deposit is economically possible. Initial tests showed that leaching is possible in good yield, possibly even within the deposit (in situ leaching).
