Influence of the Melt Cooling Parameters of the Chuktukon Rare Metal Ore on the Composition of the Silicate and Metal Phases

Electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the effect of the cooling parameters of the melt obtained by reductive melting of the Chuktukon rare metal ore on the composition of the silicate and metal phases formed. The conditions for ore reduction and melt cooling are established, ensuring the predominant transition of iron, manganese, niobium and titanium into the metallic phase, and rare earth elements concentrating in the silicate phase, which is important for subsequent stages of ore processing. With relatively rapid cooling of the melt, the slag and metal parts of the system are homogeneous. In contrast, with a slow decrease in temperature, the formation of several phases with different chemical compositions is observed in both parts of the system.