New potential source of rare earth elements

Abstract

This paper discusses tailings obtained in cassiterite extraction on Bangka Island (Indonesia). The first cassiterite extractions on Bangka on an industrial scale were conducted by Chinese companies as early as 1710. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Indonesia was one of the world’s major cassiterite producers. Currently, Indonesia is the second largest tin producer in the world behind China (Schwartz et. al. 1995; minerals.usgs 2013). Indonesian 60 cassiterite extraction from offshore and onshore deposits has increased significantly since 2000. Cassiterite is a source of tin. Gravity separation of cassiterite generates large quantities of tailings. The goal of the research conducted in this study was to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the tailings and to determine their potential as a source of mineral commodities, especially of REE’s.