Recovery of scandium from the residue of the magnetic fraction of a vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite ore

Abstract

Scandium (Sc) is a critical and valuable rare earth element (REE) present in small amounts in the magnetic residue of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite ore. However, the potential of this residue as a source of Sc has not yet been explored. This research aims to develop a route for the extraction and purification of Sc from the magnetic residue of Brazilian vanadium production. Given Sc's technological and economic significance, and in line with circular economy principles that promote waste reuse, exploring this route is justified. Various acid leaching conditions will be studied to selectively extract Sc, followed by purification using impregnated ion-exchange resin techniques. The adsorption process will initially be studied through batch experiments, focusing on the kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms involved. Finally, the purification will be tested in a continuous system to obtain a pure and concentrated Sc solution, which can be precipitated and calcined to produce Sc2O3.