Development of analytical techniques for CRM

The availability of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) is crucial for the development of the EU economy. To ensure sustainable mining, extraction methods must be environmentally friendly and energy and resource efficient. Improved prediction and prevention techniques to eliminate emissions are essential.

The overall objective of this project is to develop state-of-the-art analysis, including accurate quantification, source identification and possible speciation of metals in the leachate solution system focusing on REE and U but also Bi, PGE and Sb for mining of primary and secondary sources. Isotopic analyses of the CRM elements, complementary light stable isotopes (e.g. S) and multi-element screening are useful as tracers of element sources and to define processes that cause mobilization of the element. The project is a collaboration between applied geochemistry and process metallurgy, the mining industry and ALS. This project will enable future research programs and projects from e.g. MISTRA, EU and Formas.

One person working on the project is Katerina Rodiouchkina, a postdoctoral researcher.

Where are you originally from, and what is your academic background?

I am originally from Russia, but I moved to Luleå, Sweden when I was 2.5 years old. I lived in Luleå until I was 18 years when I moved to Uppsala, Sweden to study at Uppsala University. I obtained a bachelor’s in chemistry and a master’s in analytical chemistry there. After that I managed to get a joint PhD position between Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, and Vrije Universiteit Brusse, Brussels, Belgium, focusing on development of S isotope ratio methodology. Now I am back in Luleå as a post doc in the Applied Geochemistry research group.

What is the main focus of your research within the project?

My main focus is to develop new methods to understand and trace processes involving critical raw materials (CRM), e.g. uranium, rare earth elements (REE), platinum group elements (PGE), using a combination of elemental and isotopic analysis.

What attracted you to this specific research project?

Ever since I was young, I have always been fascinated how much humans can understand of the world around us by measuring things with different machines, especially in the interplay of the evolving economy with the environment and human health. So when I heard about a project where the focus was CRM I was intrigued.

What are some of the key research questions or objectives you're focusing on during your post-doc?

Can the source of CRMs be traced to specific minerals and processes using both elemental and isotopic compositions?

Are there any specific skills or knowledge areas you aim to enhance during your time on the project?

I aim to gather a deeper understanding of the leaching behaviour of CRMs in different lithologies/minerals and how the isotope ratios are affected.

How do you envision the findings of this project making an impact, either locally or globally?

The developed methodologies can be used globally to find and responsibly use CRMs.

How do you think this post-doc project can contribute to the goal of the Green Transition?

If CRMs can be mined locally with a focus on sustainability it will contribute to the goal of the Green Transition.

What unique challenges or opportunities do you anticipate working in the northern Sweden?

The long winters create interesting conditions that influences the geochemistry between rock and waters. Different sampling strategies are required during this period, which sometimes requires extra planning.