US DOE Developing Sustainable Rare Earth Recycling?

Pollution Solutions reported that the US Department of Energy has developed a sustainable method of recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Library in Tennessee believe the new method could generate 20 to 30 percent less chemical waste than previous techniques.
As quoted in the publication:

Using a feed solution made from acid-digested magnets, the researchers were able to isolate lanthanides such as dysprosium, praseodymium and neodymium. Their device resembles an eight-legged straw contraption made from hollow fibre polypropylene membranes.
Each membrane is covered with tiny microscopic porous holes, the outside of which are coated with an extractant uniquely designed to target rare earths. The feed solution is pumped through the straws, with the pressure of the pump ensuring that the extractant doesn’t enter the straw but does attract the lanthanides.
Outside of the straws, an acidic stripping solution captures the lanthanides which have been drawn to the pores and isolates them, making them available for recovery. Bhave believes this method would generate anywhere between 20% and 30% less chemical waste than previous techniques, giving the process an environmentally-friendly advantage.

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