Ann: New Discovery at Apui ENE REE Project with exceptional REE, page-41

Promising process....

A glauconitic siltstone sample with a potash content of 10% is investigated as a potential potash source. The fine grain structure comprises potash bearing phases of glauconite, muscovite, and microcline. The as-received samples showed poor dissolution ~ 5%. Planetary ball milling was attempted for the dissociation of the underlying silicate structure for the potash release, and ~ 60% potash was obtained after 12-h milling. Mechanical activation (8 h, 60% NaOH) prior to heat treatment (600 °C, 30 min) was found successful in recovering more than 95% K values from glauconite. The final residue consists mainly of quartz, indicating a complete breakdown of the silicate matrix. The mechanical activation process followed is simple, adaptable, and less energy-intensive compared to existing methods.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42461-020-00218-5