Rare Earth Elements in Coal Combustion Ash

Coal combustion produces fly and bottom ash (FABA) which contains a mixture of organic and inorganic particles, as well as trace elements such as rare earth elements. This study characterizes the mode of occurrence and distribution of rare earth elements in FABA from eight coal-fired power plants. Results indicate that rare earth elements are predominantly associated with mineral phases, and their concentration varies depending on the source of coal. These findings have implications for the recovery of rare earth elements from FABA for commercial use.