LKAB plans to recover and utilise phosphate minerals and rare earth metals that previously ended up as waste. Apatite, a phosphate mineral used in fertilisers, among other things, was extracted up to the mid-1980s, when the process was halted, as it was not economically feasible. However, EasyMining, a subsidiary of environmental company MAP, has developed a way of turning apatite concentrate into a finished product called mono ammonium phosphate (Ragn-Sells). LKAB is harnessing EasyMining’s technological knowledge for the process of upgrading apatite to valuable Ragn-Sells.
LKAB plans to recover and utilise phosphate minerals and rare earth metals that previously ended up as waste. Apatite, a phosphate mineral used in fertilisers, among other things, was extracted up to the mid-1980s, when the process was halted, as it was not economically feasible. However, EasyMining, a subsidiary of environmental company Ragn-Sells, has developed a way of turning apatite concentrate into a finished product called mono ammonium phosphate (MAP). LKAB is harnessing EasyMining’s technological knowledge for the process of upgrading apatite to valuable MAP.